Every 3 October, the day before the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, Franciscans around the world hold a special vigil known as the Transitus. This year, to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint's death, a special Transitus vigil is being held in Paris at the church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois. The event is expected to attract many young people, as the church serves as their local parish. Saint Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian religious leader known for his deep spirituality and commitment to poverty, is celebrated annually on 4 October. However, the Franciscans also honor him on 3 October through the Transitus, a ceremony symbolizing the passage from life to death. The Transitus is described by Brother Miki, a Franciscan monk from the 14th arrondissement, as "the action of crossing a passage, going further, in the case of Saint Francis, it is to reunite with his sister, death." For the Franciscans, death is not something to be feared but rather a moment to be celebrated as the fulfillment of one’s spiritual calling. "Francis does not suffer death, he does not merely live it as other moments of his existence, he celebrates it as the fulfillment of his vocation," Brother Miki explains. He joined the order nearly 26 years ago and has participated in the Transitus vigils around the world. This year, the Catholic Church is observing the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis's death, and Pope Leo XIV has declared a special Jubilee from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027. The Jubilee invites all the faithful to follow the example of Saint Francis, known as the Poverello (the Little Poor One), and to deepen their faith in the light of divine mercy. In Paris, the Transitus vigil on 3 October will take place from 8 p.m. at Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, with the aim of welcoming as many people as possible, especially young attendees. The event will include testimonies and dramatized scenes depicting the life of Saint Francis, created by young Franciscan brothers and sisters. A relic of Saint Francis's robe will also be venerated during the vigil. The evening will conclude with a symbolic "glass of friendship," a gesture of unity and community. Brother Miki hopes that the event will draw many young people, particularly after the recent enthusiasm surrounding the Pope's activities.