The bones of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most revered figures of the Catholic Church, have recently been put on public display for the first time in history. This momentous event has attracted thousands of pilgrims and faithful followers from all over the world to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, to pay homage to the beloved saint.
The announcement of the public display of St. Francis’ bones was made by the Custody of the Sacred Convent, the order founded by St. Francis himself, which has been entrusted with the preservation of his relics. This decision was made in honor of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death and as a way to bring his teachings and message of peace and love to a wider audience.
The bones, which are believed to be those of St. Francis, were discovered in 1818 during an excavation of the crypt beneath the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. For centuries, the existence of these relics had been kept a secret by the Franciscan friars, who feared that they would be destroyed by those who sought to profit from them. However, with the increase in interest and devotion to St. Francis, the decision was made to reveal the relics to the public.
The relics, which include a fragment of St. Francis’ skull and a piece of his tunic, have been placed in a crystal urn and will be on display in the Crypt of the Basilica. This sacred space, which is where St. Francis’ tomb is located, has been beautifully adorned with flowers and candles, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere for visitors.
The unveiling of St. Francis’ bones has been met with great excitement and reverence by both locals and visitors alike. Many have traveled from far and wide to witness this historic event and to pay their respects to the saint who has touched the hearts of millions with his simple and humble way of life.
For those who are not able to make the journey to Assisi, the Custody of the Sacred Convent has also created a virtual tour of the Crypt, allowing people from all over the world to experience this sacred space and venerate the relics of St. Francis.
The display of St. Francis’ bones is not only a significant moment for the Catholic Church, but it also holds great importance for the world as a whole. St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, and his message of compassion, love, and respect for all living beings is more relevant than ever in today’s world.
Through the public display of his bones, St. Francis’ teachings are being brought to the forefront, reminding us of the need for unity, peace, and harmony among all people and the importance of caring for our planet and all its creatures.
This event has also provided an opportunity for people of different faiths to come together and celebrate the life and legacy of St. Francis, whose message of love and compassion transcends religious boundaries.
As the Custos of the Sacred Convent, Fr. Mauro Gambetti, said, “We want to show this world, which is too much divided, that the message of St. Francis is more important than ever in this world of division and conflict.”
The public display of St. Francis’ bones will continue until the end of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which marks the 800th anniversary of his death. It is a unique and rare opportunity for all to connect with the spirit of St. Francis and to be inspired by his profound teachings of love, humility, and service to others.
In conclusion, the public display of St. Francis’ bones is a momentous occasion that has brought together people from all walks of life to honor this beloved saint. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Francis and a reminder to all of us to live our lives with compassion, love, and respect for all living beings. We can only hope that this event will continue to inspire and unite people for generations to come.
