Peter Soiza and his wife, Flor de Lis Soiza were admitted as members of the Divine Mercy Fraternity, Gibraltar. Christine Fendo, Minister, admitted them into our fraternity on the feast of St. Francis. Ceremony was presided by Bishop Carmel Zammit, Bishop of Gibraltar.
It was a very joyous and special occasion. Let us all be united with them in prayer as they continue their Franciscan journey.
Brian Passano
The members of our fraternity are scattered from Aberdare to Pembroke Dock, so normally we do not have a public celebration of the Transitus, instead commemorating the passing of St. Francis in our homes. This year, with the encouragement of the Parish priest of St. Therese’s, we decided to celebrate the Transitus and evening prayer in church, inviting our parishioners and every parish in the deanery. Printing booklets and posters ensued, emailing other fraternities like Cardiff and Barry. Habit, candles and refreshments arranged!
It was a beautiful and moving celebration, the atmosphere hushed and reverent. Apart from four local ofs from our fraternity we were joined by a member of the TSSF and ten Parishioners from St. Therese of Lisieux parish. Most had never experienced this kind of liturgy before and were overwhelmed by it and the glimpses of St Francis they saw. Father Paul (parish priest), gave a homily on Francis’ life and brought the relic of St. Francis to be venerated.
After a beautiful Mass, we moved to the Parish room for refreshments provided by the fraternity. If the Port Talbot fraternity is still active next year we will definitely do this again.
Angela Bradley ofs
North East Region also celebrated the Transitus, which was led by Lynne Dennision of Bradford Fraternity on Saturday 13th October 2018 at the Bar Convent Chapel, York
