Feast of the Stigmatization of St. Francis of Assisi

September 20, 2024458 Views

The custody celebrated the feast of the Stigmatization of St. Francis last September 16, 2024. It was celebrated in advance since the liturgical feast is on September 17. This year, the Franciscans are celebrating the 800th Anniversary of the Stigmata of St. Francis or the bodily marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ. St. Francis was the first person, historically recorded, who bore the marks of the crucified Christ in his hands, his feet, and in his side. The host community for the gathering was St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Binangonan, Rizal. Fra Christopher Baptista, OFMConv., the Parochial Vicar of San Francisco ng Assisi Parish led the praying "Corda Pia". The friars were joined by parish volunteers, OFS emerging fraternity of SFAP, and MI.

The "Corda Pia" (Pious or Merciful Hearts) is the oldest known devotion of the Order to the Crucified Christ. It particularly honors the five wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ and the stigmata of our Seraphic Father St. Francis. It was traditionally prayed during Lenten Season especially on Fridays. The theological and spiritual foundation of this devotion is taken from 1 Peter 2:24: "By his wounds you were healed."

This pious devotion was composed by the Servant of God, Fra Filippo Gesualdi da Castrovillari, Minister General of the Order from 1539 to 1602, and then bishop of Cariati. The name "Corda Pia" was derived from the first two words of its opening hymn: "Corda pia inflamantur, dum Francisci celebrantur, stigmatum insignia." (Merciful hearts are inflamed as the signs of the stigmata of Francis are celebrated.)

Each community gave a reflection on the six readings of the devotion. They correspond to the six stages of spiritual ascent of St. Francis as he was able to conform to the crucified Christ. These are: 1. moment of encounter and listening, 2. moment of receiving instruction, 3. moment of prayer and contemplation, 4. moment of initiation, 5. moment of apostolate, and 6. moment of comfort and consolation.

After the prayer, Fra Valerian Castillo, OFMConv., Parish Priest of San Francisco ng Assisi Parish officiated the Eucharistic Celebration. Lunch followed after the Mass.