The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy
Diane and her husband live in Italy for part of the year. “We live in the central region called Umbria. The hilltop town of Assisi is one hour northeast of our home. We visit Assisi a few times during our stay in Italy as we love feeling the spirit of St Francis ( San Francesco) while we are there. The Basilica is an amazing church. You could spend days walking through with a guidebook that describes the history and all the artwork. It is a must-see for anyone traveling to Italy.
History:
The Basilica of St Francis was built in stages over the period from the 13th century to the 15th century. Work on the Basilica began two years after St Francis’ death. It consists of two churches constructed one above the other. The complex also contains the Holy Convent, the seat of the Franciscan order. The Lower church serves primarily as the sanctuary for the tomb of St Francis, who was lain there in 1250. The Upper church is used by the Franciscan order for preaching and prayer and also serves as a papal chapel. The Upper church is in the form of a Latin cross, divided into four bays with cross-vaulted ceilings. It is brightly lit by large windows as opposed to the Lower church which is underground. Both churches are adorned with artwork from famous Italian painters.
The photos of St Francis’ garments and chalice were taken in the Chapel of the Relics”.
St Francis was born in Assisi in 1182. He died on the 3rd of October in 1226.”
The National Shrine in D.C.
Ismael and Belen Hernandez shared their visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. “It was so emotional and what a magnificent dedication to the Holy Mother of GOD. We were fortunate to be able to attend Mass at the Chapel in the Crypt of the Basilica and say the Rosary in an Asian language with the last part of the Our Father and Hail Mary in English”.
St. Francis of Assisi – 2017
The year in review – all the wonderful events and experiences at our Mission Church.
August 5th, 2017 – Two of our parishioners attended services for the exposition of the relics of St. John Paul and St. Padre Pio at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine. Part of a national tour, the relics will be shown again on Oct. 6th at Blessed Trinity Church on Beach Blvd in Jacksonville. Relics are special to Catholics as they serve to inspire us by the lives of such Saints and remind us of the Communion of Saints whereby they intercede for us.
