“I want you all in Paradise” ("Volglio tutti in paradisio!") is one of the most often quoted statements of St. Francis of Assisi. The Knights of St. Francis in San Francisco invite one and all to a concert celebrating the beauty of springtime, the unity and sanctity of life, and the beatification of Pope John Paul II.

Free and open to the public, the concert will be held Saturday,... [read more]

“I want you all in Paradise” ("Volglio tutti in paradisio!") is one of the most often quoted statements of St. Francis of Assisi. The Knights of St. Francis in San Francisco invite one and all to a concert celebrating the beauty of springtime, the unity and sanctity of life, and the beatification of Pope John Paul II.

Free and open to the public, the concert will be held Saturday, April 30, beginning at 4 p.m. at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, 610 Vallejo St. (at the corner of Columbus Ave. and Vallejo Street).

The Chorus of Sufism Reoriented and the Meher Schools Children’s Chorus will offer a concert of songs celebrating themes central to the message St. Francis lived and taught and especially to honor the beatification of Pope John Paul II, a man deeply devoted to serving all humanity.

Before and after the concert, guests are welcome to visit the Porziuncola Nuova, the little chapel adjacent to the National Shrine.

At these times, the Children’s Chorus will sing and dance in the Porziuncola, and all guests will be invited to sign a special book there that will be delivered to the Vatican as a gift.

Built through the inspiration and dedication of Angela Alioto, the chapel is a near-exact replica of the Porziuncola built by St. Francis in Assisi. It houses a rock from the original Porziuncola, believed to have been touched by St. Francis himself, that was gifted to San Francisco by the Franciscan friars in Assisi after an earthquake dislodged it from the original Porziuncola.

Founded in 2008, the Knights of St. Francis maintain the Porziuncola Nuova. In addition, they welcome guests and provide tours of the diminutive chapel. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis, they also serve the poor, disabled, and homeless.

All are welcome, and organizers hope the celebration will bring participants a joyful step closer to Paradise.