The years 2023-2026 mark centenary celebrations for the Franciscan family. In 2023, we celebrated the 800-year anniversary of the crèche — a reenactment of the wondrous moment of the Incarnation. This year, we remember a remarkable event that occurred in a place of solitude on Mount La Verna in Tuscany.
During a 40-day Lenten fast in 1224, Francis asked Christ for two graces: to share in the sufferings of his passion and to feel the same love that impelled Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. On September 17, 1224, two years before his death, Francis received the wounds of Christ in his flesh while praying on Mount La Verna. This is commonly referred to as the stigmata.
The stigmata are bodily wounds resembling those of Christ’s crucifixion, appearing on the hands, feet, and near the heart. The mystery of the stigmata invites believers to contemplate the transformative influence of grace. Biographers of St. Francis write that throughout his life, Francis walked in the footprints of Christ. In other words, Francis conformed his life to Christ in word and action. The stigmata is viewed as a confirmation of Francis’ personal holiness, the climax of his personal journey to God.
Since the stigmata is also a manifestation of Christ’s suffering, it embodies a profound spiritual truth that transcends physical pain. Ultimately, we discover that the cross witnesses to the power of love.
The open arms of Christ on the cross express God’s unconditional love. This same self-giving love is ours to embrace. We can do it in the way we face life’s challenges and the choices we make. We can open ourselves to receive God’s unconditional love as we learn to love unconditionally.
As we join Franciscans throughout the world, let us keep in mind the words of St. Francis of Assisi:
“I have done what was mine to do; may God teach you what is yours to do.”
