This year, we commemorate the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death (21 April) and the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi (3 October).
We also celebrate the Year of Saint Francis, a special Jubilee Year currently underway which will conclude on 10 January 2027.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis chose the papal name Francis in honour of St Francis of Assisi born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone. Both these Francis’ were born with different names, using their well-known names later in life. With the name Francis, these men contributed to the meaning of what the name represents today.
What does the name Francis represent? Perhaps some insight can be found in what Pope Francis shared when he was addressing members of the Ecclesial Coordination for the 800th Anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi in 2022:
When I chose the name Francis, I knew it referred to a very popular, yet also very misunderstood, saint. Indeed, Francis is the man of peace, the man of poverty, the man who loves and celebrates creation; but what is the root of all this? What is the source? Jesus Christ. He is in love with Jesus Christ, and to follow him he is not afraid of making a fool of himself, but rather presses on. The source of all his experience is faith. Francis receives it as a gift before the Crucifix, and the Crucified and Risen Lord reveals to him the meaning of life and human suffering. [1]
Peace, creation, poor, service, encounter – these words are often associated with the lives of Pope Francis and St Francis and by association with the name Francis itself.
In their lifetimes, the Francis’ promoted peace through dialogue.
They both showed a care for creation. Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’ and Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum and St Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures continue to inspire many to look after creation today.
They expressed their care and love to those made poor and how detachment of material possessions (poverty) can bring you closer to God and freedom.
They both served others and the Church to do God’s mission; and they met people where they were at – their way of encounter, the way Jesus encountered people.
The way that Pope Francis and St Francis lived out their faith and God’s mission in their lifetimes, although centuries apart, bears similarities to how the Sisters of Saint Joseph live out their charism.
The Sisters and Josephite community have responded to Pope Francis’ invitation in Laudato Si’ to care for creation and those made poor by committing to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and releasing and actioning their Laudato Si’ Action Plan titled Explore~Embrace~Embody.
They also educate and share inspiration of their founders Saint Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods who both cared for the poor. Fr Julian also specifically advocated for the care of creation and shared his spirituality where he highlighted God’s presence in all of nature. This inspired Sr Carmel Jones to produce an eBook titled Window on Creation where the reader is invited to look at our world, as if out a window, with St Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis and Fr Julian.
As we celebrate the lives of Pope Francis and St Francis of Assisi, perhaps we can honour and continue their legacy by committing ourselves to show care for others and creation, promote peace, enter into dialogue when there is a difference of opinions, to live simply, detach ourselves from things that hinder our lives and others, and to serve and encounter people with love.
Mary Baynie
Communications Officer, Congregational Administration Services
[1] Translated to English from Spanish