Solemn celebration of the feast of our father Francis at Darshan
Institute of Theology Bengaluru
A prayerful enactment of Transitus was held at our mini hall on 3rd of
October at 6 pm as the prayerful preparation for the feast of our father
Francis.
The recent encyclical “Laudato si’” of Pope Francis created an upsurge
of feeling with a poignant reminder on the care for our common home.
Taking St. Francis as the patron of ecology, our good Pope brings out
that close bond that existed between Francis and nature and it was quite
fitting to reflect on the theme “Laudato si” as we partook in the
Transitus of our Seraphic Father, St. Francis.
Francis was never sad that he was going to die, but, what saddened him
was the gradual death of our Mother Earth. This concept was beautifully
enacted by the first year brothers of Theology and the climax with a
punching note on the song – “Heal the world” was dramatically brought
out was indeed wonderful. Francis’ life and his love for ecology are so
closely intertwined and interwoven so much so, that even the nature
feels sad at the death of Francis. This brings out the sad feeling of
missing and loosing such a great brother.
Deacon Br. Kenedy gave an inspiring homily on our concern for ecology.
He said creation is a sacrament but we are destroying it. He stressed
that our Mother Earth is being stabbed at the heart, but we choose to be
silent. Our silence is violence against creation.
As followers of St. Francis we are called to be prophets to the society
and not puppets; we are called to wake up the world and stand for the
cause of preserving this beautiful creation.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration of the feast was held at 11 am on 4th
of October. Rev. Fr. Alwyn Dias OFM Cap, from Darshan College was the
main celebrant along with concelebrant friars from the various
neighboring communities. A good number of religious and the Laity from
Kengeri vicinity were invited for the festal celebration. Fr. Nithin
Fernandez, OFM Cap, preached an inspiring homily emphasizing our
response in protecting our Mother Earth just like our father Francis.
The entire celebration ended with delicious meal served in our dining
hall for all the guests.
