Faithful Gathered at National Shrine for Transitus
Catholics marked the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's passing with a service and procession on October 3.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Catholicism
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Catholics in San Francisco gathered at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi to commemorate the Transitus, the passing of the saint. The service honored the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death through prayer and reflection.
Why it matters
The Transitus service anchors a significant historical milestone for the Catholic community in San Francisco. It coincides with the 250th anniversary of Misión San Francisco de Asís, tying the city's religious heritage to the broader Franciscan tradition.
The observance marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, while the city's Misión San Francisco de Asís celebrates its 250th anniversary.
The players
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone
The Archbishop of San Francisco who performed the blessing of the city during the service.
National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi
The North Beach church that hosted the Transitus service and houses the Porziuncola Nuova.
The details
The service featured seven readings and hymns detailing the life of St. Francis. During the event, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone performed a blessing of the city, and the faithful processed around the block on Vallejo Street. Relics were venerated within the Porziuncola Nuova, where a Franciscan habit was displayed on a bier with an Easter candle.
Timeline
October 3: Faithful commemorated the Transitus.
Across the Bay
This service follows the broader 250th-anniversary celebrations of the Misión San Francisco de Asís currently underway across the city. The commemoration extends the historical focus on San Francisco's origins by grounding it in the 800-year legacy of St. Francis.
The service occurred in North Beach on Vallejo Street, affecting local pedestrian traffic around the National Shrine. Residents may continue to observe anniversary events at the nearby mission throughout the remainder of the year.
The takeaway
The Transitus serves as a reminder of the 800-year-old Franciscan tradition that deeply informs the city's namesake history. Residents interested in the year-long historical commemorations can look for upcoming events at the Misión San Francisco de Asís.
Further reading
For more on local religious traditions, visit Catholicism.
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