Saint Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary commemorations

Various cultural, religious, and ecological events are being held to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In Switzerland, the ‘Cantar di Pietre’ musical festival is exploring the saint’s relationship with song and liturgy through various regional locations in Ticino. In Italy, several initiatives are underway, including an ecological cycling event from Ruvo di Puglia to Matera inspired by the ‘Cantico delle Creature’, and a traveling exhibition titled ‘Francesco Vive’ through the Marche region to engage younger audiences with his life and conversion.

Other commemorations include a major exhibition in San Marco in Lamis featuring over 800 images spanning five centuries of iconographic history, and reflections on his legacy of peace, justice, and care for creation. The anniversary is being marked as a Franciscan Jubilee, highlighting his transition from a life of privilege to one of radical poverty and service.