The University of Saint Francis will celebrate the feast of its patron saint, Francis of Assisi, with three events on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4. The following events are sponsored by the university’s Center for Franciscan Life.

Transitus—a traditional Franciscan prayer service that recalls St. Francis’ passing into heaven—will be held on Saturday, October 3 at 7 p.m. in the Edwin Clark Schouweiler Planetarium inside the USF Achatz Hall of Science. Through readings, hymns and a multimedia meditation on the Canticle of the Creatures, participants will re-live the night of Francis’ passage through death to eternal life. Fellowship and refreshments will follow in the atrium adjacent to the planetarium.

On Sunday, October 4 at 2 p.m., Mass for the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi will be celebrated in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1122 S. Clinton Street in downtown Fort Wayne). Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades will be the principal celebrant. USF alumni, students, employees and the public are invited to join in this celebration of St. Francis’ life with scripture, song and sacrament. It is also the university’s celebration of its 125th anniversary, and all in attendance are invited to a reception following Mass at the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, 431 W. Berry Street.

A Blessing of Pets in honor of St. Francis will take place on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in front of Brookside (formerly known as the Bass mansion) near the St. Francis statue. Pets of all shapes, sizes and species are welcome, as are their owners.

Born in 1182, Francis Bernardone’s Christian conversion, poverty and service to the poor sparked a spiritual movement that continues today in the three orders he founded.

All events are open to the public without charge. University students, employees, alumni, Secular Franciscans and “Franciscans at heart” are especially welcome.

For more information, call Sister Anita Holzmer, director of the Center for Franciscan Life, at (260) 399-7700, ext. 6705.