Transitus
{{Short description|Christian term for transition from death to life}}
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File:Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi Kowalewski Otto 1914.JPG
In Western Christianity, the Transitus (translation from Ecclesiastical Latin: crossing) refers to "the time of passage through death to life".{{cite book|title=The Book of Offices and Services |edition=Fourth |year=2012|publisher=Order of Saint Luke|language=English |isbn=1478391022|page=81}}
The Christian theologian German Martinez writes that:
{{quotation|The idea of death in the Latin transitus (transition, passing over) represents a unique Christian terminology linked to the paschal mystery. It consecrates the passage of the dying to eternal life. Offering the sacrifice of his or her personal life, the believer shares in the paschal transitus of Christ himself.{{cite book|last=Martinez|first=German|title=Signs of Freedom: Theology of the Christian Sacraments|year=2003|publisher=Paulist Press|language=English |isbn=9780809141609|page=238}}}}
Observance
With reference to various Christian religious orders, liturgies for observing the Transitus may differ.
Franciscans in general observe the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi on October 3, the eve of his feast.{{cite web|url=http://franciscansusa.org/transitus-what-is-it|title=Transitus – What is it?|last=Kent|first=Jim|year=2015|publisher=Conventual Franciscan Friars|language=English|accessdate=4 December 2015|quote=Transitus is the annual celebration by Franciscans throughout the world of the passing of St. Francis from this life to life with God. It is celebrated the night of October 3, the eve of his feast day. The word "transitus" comes from the Latin, meaning passage or crossing. There is no one ritual for Transitus, and therefore many expressions have developed for this liturgy. Certain prayers or writings of St. Francis and accounts from his early biographers are common.}} However, there is not a single liturgy for the Transitus among the different branches, and "therefore many expressions have developed" for this service.
In the Methodist Order of Saint Luke, lessons from {{Bibleverse|Psalm|23|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|Romans|1:4-8|KJV}}, and {{Bibleverse|1 Peter|1:3|KJV}} are read; consequently anointing with holy anointing oil takes place.{{cite book|last=Duck|first=Ruth C.|title=Worship for the Whole People of God: Vital Worship for the 21st Century|publisher=Westminster John Knox Press|year=2013|isbn=9780664234270|page=229|language=English|quote=The Order of Saint Luke (an ecumenical order within the United Methodist Church) has published "A Service for the Time of Passage through Death to Life for Brothers and Sisters in The Order of St. Luke: The Transitus." It moves through greeting and the reading of Psalm 23; Romans 1:4-8; and 1 Peter 1:3. Then a ritual of anointing follows: The sign of the cross may be made on the forehead of the person with the words: 'Remember that you were sealed by the Holy Spirit at your baptism and marked as Christ's own forever.'" Prayers and possibly the Eucharist follow. The service concludes with singing the Canticle of Simeon ("Lord, you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word", Luke 2:29) and a benediction.|author-link=Ruth C. Duck}}
See also
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References
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Category:Christianity and death
Category:Christian worship and liturgy
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