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The Franciscan Family in Shisong, Cameroon celebrated the Solemnity of our Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi, in a profound atmosphere of faith, joy and fraternal communion. This year’s celebration was held within the exceptional context of the Franciscan Jubilee Year – the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis (1226-2026), making it a historic and grace-filled moment for the entire Franciscan Family worldwide.
The celebration, which united the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis (TSSF), Capuchin Friars Minor, Novices, Postulants, Students and the Secular Franciscan Order, was marked by a nine-day spiritual novena culminating in the solemn Eucharistic celebration on October 4th.
A Spiritual Journey Through Franciscan Virtues
Each day of the novena was dedicated to a core Franciscan virtue, animated by the Capuchin Friars:
- Day 1 – On Faith by Br. Dor: A reflection on the unwavering faith of St. Francis in the Church and St. Clare in the Blessed Sacrament.
- Day 2 – On Hope by Br. Ignatius Kenso: Br. Ignatius described hope as the virtue by which we trust that God keeps His promises. “God does not abandon His children… Do not give up. God is still with you.”
- Day 3 – On Charity by Br. Achilis Ntumnyuy: Charity, he said, is the soul of Franciscan life – loving as God loves, without measure and without condition.
- Day 4 – On Prayer by Br. Mbimenyuy Yufenyuy: “It is not the quantity but the quality of our prayers that matters.”
- Day 5 – On Humility: Jesus is the teacher and model of humility. “We are either humble or we stumble.”
- Day 6 – On Fraternity and Community Life by Br. Francis Dor: Community is a gift, echoing Psalm 133 and Pope Francis’ _Fratelli Tutti_.
- Day 7 – On the Grace of Poverty by Br. Achilis Ntumnyuy: Poverty is self-emptying to be filled with Jesus.
- Day 8 – On Loving Obedience by Br. Mbimenyuy Yufenyuy: In obedience we offer our will as a sacrifice to God whom we love above all.
The Transitus: Embracing Sister Death – 800 Years On
The eve of the feast was marked by the moving celebration of the Transitus, preceded by sacramental confessions, the Holy Rosary and psalms.
In his reflection, Br. Mbimenyuy recalled how St. Francis embraced Sister Death 800 years ago at the Portiuncula: “Beyond death there is eternal life as we profess in the Creed (cf. Romans 8:11). Francis’ death is a testimony of evangelical hope.”
In a deeply evocative symbol, a Franciscan habit was laid on the bare floor in front of the altar of Shisong Parish Church, adorned with flowers and lighted candles by TSSF Novices and Capuchin Postulants, representing St. Francis as he lay on the bare earth during his Transitus at Our Lady of the Angels 800 years ago. This was followed by the sharing of traditional “cry-die corn” according to local culture.
October 4th: Solemnity and Final Profession in the Jubilee Year
The climax was a beautifully animated liturgy by the students of St. Anthony of Padua College, Shisong and St. Francis College, Shisong.
During the Eucharistic celebration, five members of the Secular Franciscan Order made their Final Profession into the Fraternity of St. Elisabeth of Hungary, in the hands of the Minister, Mr. William Wirngo.
In his homily, Fr. Cornelius Bamenjo, OFMCap, linked the Jubilee to our present responsibility: “Unlike Francis, we have sinned against nature and need to go on our knees to ask forgiveness from nature. Francis’ love for nature is central in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, which calls for radical ecological conversion.”
He launched the Jubilee challenge: “Operation Plant an Avocado Tree in Shisong.”
The Provincial Superior, Sr. Olivia Waika, thanked all and congratulated the newly professed: “Franciscans have stood the test of time and, like Francis, bring peace and hope.”
The celebration continued with a festive fraternal meal and social activities in the Parish Hall. Held within this exceptional Jubilee Year, this year’s feast was outstanding in participation, animation and spiritual depth.
Through the intercession of St. Francis, in this Jubilee Year, may we become instruments of peace and custodians of creation.