Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke from the Loggia of the Sacred Convent. The mayor of L’Aquila lit the votive lamp of the municipalities of Italy.
The first part of the celebrations for the Feast of St. Francis, Patron Saint of Italy, concluded with speeches from authorities delivered from the Loggia of the Sacred Convent in Assisi. Pierluigi Biondi, Mayor of L’Aquila, lit the Votive Lamp of the Municipalities of Italy on behalf of the Italian people during a ceremony held in the Upper Church of the Basilica of St. Francis. The event was presided over by Monsignor Camillo Cibotti, Bishop of Isernia-Venafro and President of the Episcopal Conference of Abruzzo and Molise.
A central theme in the speeches was the relevance of St. Francis of Assisi to contemporary society, especially in light of the recent decision by the Italian Parliament to reinstate October 4th as a national holiday in his honor.
“Just days ago, Parliament approved the law making October 4th a national holiday,” said Father Marco Moroni, OFMConv, Custodian of the Sacred Convent, at the start of the celebration. “This is not only a tribute to the Patron Saint of Italy but also a recognition of values that speak to everyone. For this celebration to bear fruit, each of us must draw concrete consequences: our communities in their daily lives, local administrations in their choices for justice and inclusion, and Parliament and the Government in laws and policies consistent with what is proclaimed today. Each of us, too, must make choices for a simpler and more fraternal life.”
The law highlights themes such as “peace, fraternity among peoples, social inclusion, and environmental protection,” which Father Moroni described as both a challenge and a call to responsibility.
A Message of Unity and Faith
During his homily, Monsignor Cibotti emphasized the symbolic significance of the offerings brought to Assisi: “Many of you come from the ‘strong and gentle’ Abruzzo region, and I am one of you. We are here to offer what most genuinely represents us: the oil from the lush olive trees that enrich our beautiful land, to fuel the lamp burning before the tomb of the Saint of Assisi. Many others have come from across Italy and the world, drawn by the fragrant example of St. Francis’ truly Gospel-inspired life. His example nourishes our faith and existence.”
Looking ahead to the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death (1226–2026), Father Carlos A. Trovarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, spoke on behalf of the Franciscan families. “The Poor Man of Assisi, who embraced lepers, pointed the way to dialogue and peace, rebuilt churches, and founded a universal fraternity, shows us that every life is precious and finds its ultimate meaning in the mystery of Christ. In a world still plagued by conflicts, wars, and violations of fundamental human rights, St. Francis’ testimony inspires us to make choices that favor life.”
Father Trovarelli also announced the public display of St. Francis’ mortal remains, scheduled from February 22 to March 22, 2026.
A Beacon of Hope from Assisi
Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region, highlighted the enduring relevance of St. Francis’ message: “Assisi must not only be a place of memory but also a laboratory of hope, a beacon lighting the way forward for communities and nations. May the words and example of St. Francis inspire not only our communities but the entire nation. In a fragile and uncertain time, as the winds of war and division blow across the world, let Assisi and Abruzzo send a strong, luminous, and courageous message: peace is possible, and we must work together to build and defend it as the most precious of common goods.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also addressed the nation from the Loggia of the Sacred Convent, emphasizing the deep connection Italians feel toward St. Francis: “The devotion of Italians to St. Francis is strong, authentic, and visceral, as seen in the faces of the pilgrims here today. St. Francis is one of the foundational figures of Italian identity. We celebrate him not because he needs us, but because we need him.”
