Transitus of St. Francis

Program Details

Transitus is the annual celebration by Franciscans throughout the world of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226 from this life to life with God. It is celebrated the night of October 3, the eve of his feast day. The word “transitus” comes from the Latin, meaning passage or crossing.

We invite you to join us at Rolling Ridge as we celebrate this special event for the first time with the local Franciscan Companions of the Sisters of St. Francis or the "Lake Franciscans" of Wisconsin.

During this liturgy, we will remember the final hours of Francis' life and celebrate his legacy through words, images, and song. We also plan to have almond cookies to remember Lady "Brother" Jacoba and to share her story. If you are unfamiliar with the beauty of Transitus, you are encouraged to join us IN-PERSON ONSITE at Rolling Ridge from 5-6 pm, and honor the life and death of St. Francis of Assisi.

Although there is no fee for this program, your generous donation allows Rolling Ridge to continue our mission and ministry of contemplative spirituality. Thank you.

About the Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. In addition to working with staff to ensure an outstanding guest experience, he collaborates with retreat leaders to deliver exceptional programming and is available to speak about the ongoing ministry and historic mission of Rolling Ridge as a place of rest, retreat, and transformation. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs and was interviewed about his ministry on Dan Lee's podcast. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with our True Self, nature, God, and all people.