St. Francis Speaks Again: A Franciscan Journey on Stage
24 October 2026 | St. Anthony’s Friary Auditorium
The life and message of St. Francis of Assisi came alive on stage on 24 October 2026 at the St. Anthony’s Friary Auditorium, in a moving presentation of The Abiding Flame of Assisi.
The play invited the audience to journey with Francis from his dreams of fame, wealth and worldly glory to a life centred on the Gospel, simplicity, fraternity and service. Through his encounter with the leper, his decision to rebuild God’s house, his break with his former way of life, and the formation of a community of brothers, the drama presented the continuing relevance of the Franciscan vocation.
A central message of the play was Francis’ reminder to his brothers that their work was never finished. “Let us begin now,” he tells them, leading them to understand that love must continue to grow and that the Gospel is not a field already harvested, but one into which they are continually walking.
The presentation also brought to life some of the deepest themes of Franciscan spirituality: living the Gospel rather than merely admiring it, embracing poverty and humility, building fraternity across differences, forgiving, serving others, and discovering Perfect Joy even in suffering and rejection.
The performance was made possible through the generous collaboration of many. Br. Xavier Durairaj, Minister Provincial, extended a warm Franciscan welcome to all the participants of AFFI.
More than a theatrical presentation, the evening became an invitation to rediscover the heart of the Franciscan vocation. As the play reminds us, the journey is never complete. We are continually called to return to the Gospel, to grow in love, and to begin again.
May the spirit of St. Francis continue to inspire us to live the Gospel with simplicity, humility, fraternity and courageous love.
