St. Francis, Imitator of the Savior, Pray for Us
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Transitus 2025: A Tribute to
Transitus 2025: A Tribute to
The Seraphic Father
The Seraphic Father
The Link, October 6, 2025
By Carlo Luis F. Villacorta
Following an annual tradition of devotion, the reenactment of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi was held by the Lourdes School community on October 3, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, Mandaluyong City.
As his life comes to an end, St. Francis (portrayed by Master Lorenzo Miguel G. Toledo) looks up at Jesus (portrayed by Master Alexandre Samuel M. Roxas) on the cross. In this powerful moment, he is united with Christ, the one he followed so closely in life. A quiet light shines, showing the peace of his final journey.
The solemn commemoration recounts the last journey of the Seraphic Father to Portiuncula, his farewell to his brothers, and his final embrace with the crucified Christ. This year, the cast was led by Master Lorenzo Miguel G. Toledo, who acted as St. Francis. The event was organized by Mr. Gomer R. Lejano, the High School Subject Coordinator for Values Education (VE) with Christian Living Education (CLE). The reenactment brought life to the story of St. Francis, appreciating his final moments of acceptance, surrender, and holiness.
The Transitus was attended by Grade 12 students, as well as faculty and employees from Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM). The celebration was also attended by the whole Lourdesian community, including delegates from Lourdes School Quezon City (LSQC). This allowed for interaction between the LSM and LSQC students.
The Franciscan brothers (portrayed by Masters Jose Joaquin M. Siwa and Raj Lorenz V. Jamola) gather in sorrow as they sense that St. Francis is nearing death. Their expressions show pain, worry, and deep love for their spiritual leader as they prepare to say goodbye.
After the Transitus, the community joined together to pray the last day of the novena to St. Francis of Assisi in preparation for the Eucharistic celebration thereafter. The Fiesta Mass was presided by Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Cubao, where he reiterated the importance of imitating this saint who mirrored Christ in all ways. After the Mass, all joined in the joy of the fiesta, reminding themselves of the true essence of brotherhood with the example of St. Francis.
Surrounded by his closest brothers (portrayed by Masters Shan Martin B. Alabastro and Aldryn Enrico S. Sasoy), St. Francis (portrayed by Master Lorenzo Miguel G. Toledo) lies weak and wounded. They hold him tightly, showing their sadness and care. The red mark on his hand reminds them of the stigmata—the wounds of Christ that Francis shared.
The Transitus also coincided with the 800th anniversary of the “Canticle of the Creatures,” a poem written by St. Francis of Assisi that praised God through creation. In light of this, the Alternative Learning Classes 2025 was conducted earlier that day with the theme “Isang kapatiran, isang sinapupunan (One brotherhood, one home).”
The LSM Grade School and High School Department conducted the blessing of household pets and plants in the morning. The LSM community also launched October as the Month of the Holy Rosary.
With the celebration, Lourdesians are called to live St. Francis’ mission of brotherhood and humility in caring for creation and imitating Christ.
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