Quality Franciscan Pilgrimages since 1972

Those traveling from the USA will depart from various cities. Some of you will need connecting flights to get to the city where your international flight departs. (See the separate Flight—Staff—Lodging Information sheet included in your First Correspondence packet for details). When you receive your ticket, please check it immediately for the correct spelling of your legal name and to confirm your flight numbers and your precise time of departure. Flight numbers and times are subject to change by airlines. Because there is a several hour time difference between the USA and Italy, you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart from the USA.

After arriving at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport (also known as Fiumicino), claiming your baggage, and passing through customs, your Pilgrimage Staff will meet you. A chartered bus will be waiting to transfer you to your pensione (pilgrim hotel).

For those whose pilgrimage begins in Assisi, the trip takes about three hours with a stop for a snack. All those making their own way to Assisi are asked to meet the group there at a specified time. The name and address of your pensione is listed on the Flight—Staff—Lodging Information sheet in the First Correspondence packet.

Assisi -- This is the city of Francis and Clare. Each day there will be input and prayer. We pray that the spirit of St. Francis and Clare enters your spirit as you seek to understand the Gospel and the Franciscan vision more fully. The following will be explored:

Chiesa Nuova— This church is built on the place that claims to have been the home and birthplace of Francis.
San Damiano— It was here that Francis had his memorable experience with the San Damiano Crucifix and also composed the Canticle of the Creatures. Clare lived in the monastery of nuns here for 41 years.
Porziuncola— This is the heart and the center, where Franciscanism began and developed. Perhaps no other place has so many memories connected with the life or death of Francis and the early years of the brotherhood. In addition, Clare was received into the order here.
La Verna— This mountain was given to Francis by Count Orlando. Here you will visit the Chapel of the Stigmata near the site where Francis was marked with the wounds of Christ.
Basilica of St. Francis— At this magnificant Basilica you can view the story of Francis as it unfolds in the art of Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, and Lorenzetti. Eucharist will be celebrated at the Tomb of St. Francis. Although his body is encased in a stone sarcophagus, his spirit leaps out and is present for all who have the faith to welcome it.
Basilica of St. Clare— At this Basilica, restored after being damaged by an earthquake in 1997, visit the Chapel of St. Agnes, the Tomb of Clare and the San Damiano Crucifix.
Piazza Comune —This is the central gathering place of the city of Assisi.
Carceri —You will visit the caves above Assisi where St. Francis spent time and where he developed his life of prayer.
San Rufino —Close to Clare’s paternal home, this church houses the font where Francis and Clare were baptized. Francis preached here.
La Maddalena —This was the leper complex during the time of St. Francis, in the valley below Assisi .
Rivo Torto —This was the site of the first community for Francis and his earliest companions.

There will be free time for personal sightseeing, shopping and/or returning to the holy places for prayer. To get a flavor of the city, there will be opportunities to join with companion pilgrims and eat out on your own in local restaurants for a few meals.

On the way to or from Rome (depending upon which pilgrimage you are on), you will pass through the Rieti Valley and visit Greccio, where Francis popularized the custom of the Christmas crib. A Christmas liturgy or prayer service will be celebrated, usually followed by a festive Christmas dinner. On the longer Study Programs the group spends four days in Rieti and also visits Poggio Bustone, La Foresta and Fonte Colombo

You will visit the places special to St. Francis and today’s Christians:

St. Peter’s Basilica —This is the seat of Catholicism where we celebrate a liturgy of praise near the Tomb of Peter. When Francis made his first pilgrimage to Rome, he came immediately to the Tomb of Peter to pray for wisdom and understanding.
St. John Lateran—The Cathedral Church of the Pope who is bishop of Rome , St. John Lateran is very important for the beginnings of the Franciscan movement. Some call St. John Lateran the baptistry of the Franciscan Order.
San Francesco a Ripa —This church was Francis’ home among the poor. It is the only sanctuary in Rome dedicated to Francis, for he often stayed here on his visits to Rome.
Tagliacozzo —The burial place of Thomas of Celano is visited by those on the longer Study Program where they also receive initial input on Franciscan Sources.

An optional evening walking tour of Rome will acquaint you with many well-known places of interest. You will also have some free time to pursue your own interests such as visiting the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel (if these are open) or doing some shopping.

There will be an evaluation at the end of the program and a closing dinner at a restaurant—a treat from your staff.

You will leave in the morning for Rome’s airport to begin the flight home, taking with you the images and impact of this Pilgrimage to incorporate into your lives.

Some groups will begin their pilgrimage in Rome and then go to Assisi. The Flight / Staff / Lodging sheet that you will receive in the First Correspondence packet will give you the information as to where you will be staying and when