The 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi was commemorated at Christ the King Mission Church, Chikodi, on 2 October 2026. Most Rev. Dr. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Bishop Derek Fernandes was warmly welcomed with a bouquet of flowers by Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, Superior of Christalaya, together with the priests and parishioners. Trumpet fanfares and rhythmic band music accompanied his arrival, while flower petals were showered along the path to the Christalaya Friary. The Bishop led the novena to St. Francis of Assisi. This was followed by a grand procession, during which the saint’s statue was carried to a side altar in the church. Before the Eucharistic celebration, students of St. Francis of Assisi School presented a dramatization of the saint’s life, followed by a dance on the Prayer for Peace and the Canticle of Brother Sun. Their moving and inspiring performance was warmly appreciated by the faithful and set a fitting tone for the celebration. The celestial voices of the choir, the angelic liturgy, and the sacred banquet of divine grace brought a sense of solemnity and joy to the celebration. In his inspiring homily, the Bishop encouraged everyone to love and care for nature, renew the Church, live in peace, and walk together in synodality. At the conclusion of the Eucharist, Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza felicitated the Bishop in recognition of his devoted service to the Diocese of Belgaum and his timely support for the Chikodi mission. He also welcomed and thanked the priests and sisters who had come from the Chikodi Deanery and other places, as well as the school and social-work staff, students, and faithful who had contributed to making the celebration majestic and meaningful. The Bishop also honoured the school’s national-winning football and hockey teams. The celebration concluded with a delicious meal shared by all.