People often wonder what can be done to regain the respect for the person. How can we be given the means to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence and to accept and appreciate the difference of culture and religion? Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs (FPP) leads people to Assisi to learn more about values, beliefs and peace-making by walking in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare, two saints whose lives continue to be relevant to all people today.
In addition to this experience, FPP (U.S.A.) also offers pilgrimages to the Holy Land to follow in the footsteps of Jesus from the time of his birth until his Ascension. Once again we are reminded of how we can live with our brothers and sisters.

Since 1995, Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs offers meaningful opportunities to undertake a pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy and to travel to the Holy Land and Jordan.
The programs are designed to be a spiritual journey. The underlying philosophy of our pilgrimages is the belief that meaning and direction in life is not bound by chronological age.
Putting words to the experience of pilgrimage is not easy because words are often inadequate when describing an experience with God, a deepening of one’s faith. That is what a Franciscan pilgrimage is all about – experiencing God, growing in one’s faith, becoming more loving and generous in thought, word, and deeds.
Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs Australia invites you to make a journey to the homeland of Saints Francis and Clare; to walk the streets that they walked; to visit the places they visited; to seek to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Franciscan vision while making connections to their own journey in faith.
In the Holy Land for Christian pilgrims, Jesus is your companion to the places made holy by his life and he is also the goal of the pilgrimage.
In addition to the pilgrimage program, there will be time for personal sightseeing, shopping and savouring the delights of the Italian and Middle Eastern way of life.

The Face of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs Australia is Anne Doherty. She has participated in a number of pilgrimages and can provide assistance with aspects of preparation in order to ensure a rewarding pilgrimage experience. Some ways that Anne can assist include:
• sharing her experience of pilgrimage with your community
• providing information for interest meetings
• exploring options relating to single/joint pilgrimages
• aid in customizing a pilgrimage unique to your specific goals
• liaising with FPP(USA) on your behalf
• preparing participants to be pilgrims
• assisting with evaluation/debriefing session(s) post pilgrimage to gauge new insights, discoveries and transformations.

E-mail: Anne Doherty at annekdoherty@gmail.com