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Italy and Germany host events for Saint Francis 800th anniversary
Various cultural, religious, and artistic events are being organized across Italy and Germany to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
In Italy, the celebrations include musical performances ranging from medieval and Renaissance polyphony in Brindisi to orchestral concerts in Bassano del Grappa. Artistic exhibitions are scheduled in Florence at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, featuring 17th-century canvases, and in Pavia, showcasing works by Francesco Guadagnuolo. Cinematic tributes, such as screenings of Franco Zeffirelli’s film in Livorno, and contemporary circus performances in Vicopisano are also part of the program.
Local communities are hosting diverse activities, including medieval reenactments in Vimercate, religious processions in Carpanzano and Voltabarozzo, and spiritual pilgrimages in Assisi. In Germany, the city of Wuppertal will host a traditional animal blessing on October 4th to honor the Saint’s connection to nature.
Entities
Archdiocese of Vienna · Austria · Catholic Church · Franciscan Church, Vienna · Franciscan Order · Germany · Italy · Saint Catherine of Siena · Saint Francis of Assisi · Sergio Mattarella · St. Stephen's Cathedral