“This year, October 4 was not just a date on the calendar, but the culmination of a journey of spiritual and civic renewal.” In Venice, the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death was not merely a “museum-style” commemoration, but “a veritable explosion of vitality”. This is attested to by the guardian of the Capuchin monastery at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Venice, Brother Francesco Daniel, who states: “The response from the public and the participants surprised us with its enthusiasm and diversity. Our goal was not to seek media success, but rather to promote a ‘collective listening experience.’”But how did the Franciscan initiatives of recent months come about? The first thing Father Daniel emphasizes is the inclusive nature of the organization: “To coordinate this buzz of activity, the ‘Venetian 800 St. Francis Committee’ was formed, bringing together all the Franciscan orders in the city, with the support of some laypeople and the Patriarchate of Venice. Initially, this Committee was formed in February 2025 from a WhatsApp chat among friars and laypeople; over time, this initiative has managed to mobilize the city’s community.” Turning to the proposals, Father Daniel states: “The guiding principles we’ve followed are broad and integrated: spirituality, culture, and art, extending to the urban and social dimensions.” Among this year’s most significant initiatives is the publication of Linda Manzelle’s book titled “In Venice with Francis. Historical, Artistic, and Spiritual Itineraries Among the Franciscan Sites in the Lagoon,” co-edited by Ester Brunet and Friar Daniel himself. The exhibition “Nudi sulla nuda terra” (“Nudes on the Bare Earth”) by artist Marcello Chiarenza, held at the Church of the Redeemer, also made a significant impact, the friar continues.
“On a spiritual and liturgical level, the highlight was the communal celebration on October 3 at St. Mark’s Basilica. However, in the spring and summer we prayed the Rosary at the Frari, we held days of spirituality at San Francesco della Vigna, and, most recently, there was the water pilgrimage to San Francesco del Deserto, with the participation of various rowing clubs from the city.” And other events, Fra Daniel emphasizes, are still to come, such as the series of conferences to be held in October at the Pattaro Center, which will focus on the connection between the legacy of St. Francis and the history of the Franciscan orders. Finally, reflecting on the audience of participants, Father Daniel states: “It was, for the most part, a diverse audience. We were able to reach those Venetians seeking a simpler, more authentic Venice, far from the mass tourist crowds, rediscovering community hubs and places of spirituality scattered throughout the sestieri. There was no shortage of young people, however, thanks to the Ecologika Contest, which toured schools to promote integral ecology and sustainability. In general, we experienced an atmosphere of vital rediscovery. Even on the mainland, especially in Marghera, there were many initiatives organized by parishes and local associations. There are many,” he concludes, “who perceive the saint of Assisi as a living presence and an authentic source of inspiration even for our time.”
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