On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, a special exhibition on the life, spirituality and legacy of St. Francis was organised at St. Anthony’s Church, Bengaluru, in the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle. The exhibition was inaugurated on 3 October 2026 by the Minister Provincial, Br. Xavier Durairaj, along with the Parish Priest, Br. Sleeva Reddy, and other religious superiors, in the presence of the friars and faithful parishioners. At the entrance of St. Anthony’s Friary Church, visitors were welcomed by a life-size structure inspired by the original Porziuncola in Assisi, within which the body of St. Francis of Assisi was artistically represented. The exhibition presented the story of St. Francis through digital creativity, prepared by the parish youth group- Ferdinand, showing important moments of his life, his conversion, his call to follow Christ, his love for the poor, his fraternity and his deep relationship with creation.
A major attraction of the exhibition was the collection of large acrylic paintings by Br. Balu based on the five important Franciscan Jubilee themes: The Rule, The Nativity at Greccio, The Stigmata, The Canticle of Creatures and The Transitus. Along with these paintings, various ink wash drawings, charcoal drawings, other paintings and sculptural works were also displayed. Another special attraction was the New Jerusalem soap sculpture, which became the centre of attention in the gallery. Several smaller soap-carved sculptures were displayed alongside it, attracting the curiosity and appreciation of many visitors.
On 4 October 2026, after the feast Mass, Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru, visited the exhibition. His visit was a special moment of encouragement for the friars and faithful. The exhibition was more than a display of artworks. It became a visual journey through the life and spirituality of St. Francis, bringing together faith, history, technology and contemporary art. It reminded visitors of the continuing relevance of Franciscan values, love for Christ, simplicity, fraternity, peace, care for the poor and love for creation. After 800 years, the legacy of St. Francis continues to inspire the Church and the world, allowing people to remember not only his Transitus, but also the living legacy that continues through the Franciscan family today across the world.
