Today is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, father of the Franciscan order and patron of all Franciscans. Many Franciscan communities celebrate a devotion recalling stories of the Transitus, or passing, of the saint from earthly life. For more on this ritual, visit the The Transitus: An Introduction which includes accounts of Francis' death from the Franciscans Thomas of Celano and Saint Bonaventure.

The VISION Vocation Netwok has many listing for both men's and women's Franciscan communities (here and here).