Dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

"We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars, in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair." (St. Francis of Assisi)

I just learned of the passing of Friar Kevin Kenny, OFM Conv., who was the director of the National Shrine of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda, New York. I met him at the there in August 2004 and kept in touch for several years. Friar Kenny was a member of the Convectual Franciscans, an order of friars founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209.
My experiences in Assisi were life altering. May 24 is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
When St. Francis died in October 1226, he was buried at St. George Church in the medieval town. It is now St. Clare of Assisi Chapel.
In 1230, his body was brought to a new church, and 23-years-later, Pope Innocent IV consecrated the Church of San Francesco which was later named a papal chapel and patriarchal basilica.