These are the bodily remains of Saint Francis of Assisi, and this is the first time in 800 years that they have been exposed in public for veneration since the passing of the famous Italian saint. The exposition continues until March 22.
The exhibition of these relics represents a unique event in Assisi—a city we have been hearing a lot about lately because it is also where St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint who was just canonized last year, is buried. His body is also on public display.
So far, 400,000 reservations have already been made to venerate the relics of St. Francis.
His remains were lost for centuries, but they were rediscovered in the 19th Century. In a recent study, made in 2015, experts examined them to confirm whether they truly belonged to the medieval Italian saint. Their conclusion? They did indeed belong to the founder of the Franciscan Order
On the occasion of this anniversary, various events have been organized inviting all the faithful to learn more about one of the most important Catholic saints and the founder of one its most influential religious orders.
After almost half a century without it, the Italian government has restored the celebration of Saint Francis’ feast day on October 4 to the calendar. His ossuary has now been moved from the crypt to the main altar of the basilica in Assisi, where thousands of Catholics from across the world will come to honor him.
