Immersione in Acqua viva

What better way to approach the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the *Transitus* (passing) of Saint Francis than with a beautiful walk through the Tuscan countryside, accompanied by the songs and prayers of the Franciscan tradition? Amidst the hills of Bibbona, a large group of Franciscan spirituality enthusiasts—joined by members of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) of Cecina—celebrated the Year of Creation with an event titled "Immersion in Living Water." Love for and protection of Mother Earth, living in harmony with one another and with nature, respecting and defending the diversity of others, and praising God for the gift of an infinitely perfect creation—these are the aspirations voiced by a suffering, ailing humanity yearning for rebirth. Even 800 years after his death, Saint Francis continues to speak to the hearts of men and women of every age, gender, and culture; today, more than ever, we are called to reflect and strive to live—at least in some small measure—as he did: free from the desire to possess at any cost, possessing the joyful hearts of God’s beggars, serving our brothers and sisters—especially the least among us, the outcasts, and the "lepers" of modern times—while contemplating the mystery of "Him who chose to be born a Child so as to be loved rather than feared." War currently holds sway over the world. Yet, we cannot resign ourselves to this reality of crime and desensitization to violence; Christ never came down from the Cross, yet He rose again and desires to live in our midst. This is the lived experience of the OFS brothers and sisters from Cecina, who will guide us this Saturday evening at the Palazzaccio Parish in a prayer vigil commemorating the *Transitus* of the Seraphic Father. The beautiful walk in Bibbona culminated at the wonderful setting of the Mulino del Cardellino, where Pamela Larese—a storyteller from Palaia—recounted the life of the Saint of Assisi in verse, accompanied by masterful accordion playing. Fraternity, the unexpected gift of new brothers and sisters, a blend of joy and spiritual formation: this defines the spirituality of the Third Order of St. Francis. Amidst family, work, and civic commitments, the brothers and sisters of Cecina live out their vocation by welcoming others through educational, missionary, and charitable activities—starting with the warm reception of men and women who seek God with all their hearts. Guarding our hearts is akin to safeguarding Creation, for it is deep within each of us that God’s renewal—bringing peace, dialogue, and patient, merciful forgiveness—takes effect. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks"—so rang out the words of the prophet Isaiah amidst the countryside of Bibbona, at a seaside sunset where everything spoke of Francis.

Valentina Niccolai