Franciscans in Solomon Islands Mark 800 Years Since St Francis
From 1 to 4 October 2026, the Society of St Francis in Solomon Islands will gather at La Verna Friary, Hautambu, for a landmark celebration marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. The event also coincides with the annual Feast of St Francis and is expected to draw Brothers, Third Order members, companions, families, clergy, students and supporters from across the province.
This year’s theme, “Following Christ in Simplicity, Service, and Care for Creation,” reflects the enduring Franciscan vision that continues to inspire Christians around the world. Eight centuries after St Francis’ death, his example of humble discipleship, compassionate service and love for God’s creation remains as relevant as ever, particularly for communities facing the challenges of climate change, poverty and social change across Melanesia.
Four Days of Worship and Celebration
The celebrations begin on Thursday 1 October with Morning Prayer and a Eucharist at La Verna Friary before participants gather at Selwyn College beachfront for a procession to Little Portion Friary. The procession will bring together members of the Society of St Francis, Third Order Franciscans, companions, clergy, religious communities, students and members of the wider public.
At Little Portion Friary, the formal opening will include prayer, hymns, words of welcome and a reflection from the Rt Revd Bishop Rickson Maomaoru before the anniversary celebrations are officially declared open.
The evening programme will feature choir performances from Selwyn College and the Christian Spiritual Movement, together with guest speakers and cultural entertainment that reflects the rich diversity of the Church in Solomon Islands.
Living the Franciscan Calling
A distinctive feature of this year’s programme is its focus on practical service and environmental stewardship. On Friday 2 October, participants will undertake environmental activities including roadside clean-ups and tree planting projects. Further preparations on Saturday will include cleaning and preparing the Holy Ground, welcoming visitors and helping organise the main Feast Day celebrations.
These acts of service embody the Franciscan understanding that care for creation is not simply an environmental concern but an expression of Christian discipleship. St Francis famously saw all creation as a gift from God, calling Christians to live in harmony with the natural world and with one another.
Forty-Four Bells for Eight Hundred Years
One of the most memorable moments of the anniversary will take place on the evening of Saturday 3 October during the traditional Transitus prayers and Solemn Evensong, which commemorate the passing of St Francis into eternal life.
During the service, 44 bells will be rung to mark the 800th anniversary year. Solemn Evensong will be followed by an evening celebration featuring choirs, religious music and a guest address from Bishop Rickson Maomaoru.
The Feast of St Francis
The principal celebration will take place on Sunday 4 October with an open-air Eucharist at the Holy Ground.
The Most Revd Archbishop Leonard Dawea will serve as Chief Celebrant, alongside Bishop Rickson Maomaoru. According to the programme, the sermon will be preached by His Excellency the Reverend Sir David Tiva Kapu, GCM.
A significant moment within the day’s celebrations will be the blessing of a new 800th Anniversary Monument, commemorating the life, witness and continuing influence of St Francis in Solomon Islands.
The Eucharist will be followed by a community feast, cultural performances, speeches, acknowledgements and fellowship, reflecting the communal spirit that lies at the heart of Franciscan life.
The celebrations will conclude with a community clean-up on Monday 5 October, leaving the site ready for future gatherings and bringing the anniversary programme full circle through an act of collective service.
Renewing a Franciscan Vision
For the Brothers of the Society of St Francis, this anniversary is about much more than looking back. It is an opportunity to renew their commitment to Christ and to the values that shaped St Francis’ life: simplicity, generosity, peace, service and care for creation.
These themes resonate deeply across Melanesia, where communities are increasingly witnessing the impacts of a changing climate while continuing to demonstrate remarkable resilience, faith and stewardship of God’s world.
As Franciscans in Solomon Islands gather to mark this historic anniversary, they invite Christians everywhere to reflect afresh on what it means to follow Christ with humility, joy and love for all creation.
A Prayer for MMUK Supporters
Loving God,
We thank you for the witness of St Francis of Assisi and for the faithful ministry of the Society of St Francis in Solomon Islands.
As they celebrate this special anniversary, inspire us also to follow Christ in simplicity, service and care for creation. Strengthen the bonds of friendship between the churches of Melanesia and the United Kingdom, and bless all who support the work of mission through their prayers, giving and encouragement.
Give us generous hearts, a deeper love for your world, and a renewed commitment to serve our neighbours in Christ’s name.
May we, like St Francis, be instruments of your peace, sharing hope, compassion and joy wherever you call us.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.