Pilgrimage to Italy

Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Oct/Nov 2009

Franciscan Retreats, in conjunction with Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, will be offering an eleven day Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, escorted by Fr. Steve McMichael, OFM Conv., from October 30 to November 9, 2009.

To view the complete brochure for the Pilgrimage program described below, please click on the following link: Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome 2009.pdf

Dear Friends,

There are still spaces available for the Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome Oct. 30 - Nov. 9, 2009, which will be lead by our own Fr. Steve McMichael, OFM Conv., and Sister Annie Bremmer, OSF, but the date for final payment (July 31) is fast approaching.



Below are some testimonials from actual Pilgrims on a recent Pilgrimage sponsored by the Friars of Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony of Padua Provinces for the staffs of some of their ministries. As can see, their Pilgrimage was a life-changing experience for many, if not most of them. So please consider joining Fr. Steve and Sister Annie for our Pilgrimage.

"It is not possible for me to fully explain what a wonderful experience the Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome was for me and how much of a difference it has made in my life. Prior to the trip I felt as though I had a very good understanding of Franciscan Spirituality (let’s face it I have been around Friars for the last 15 years of my life) but it didn’t take too long for me to realize that I actually knew very little. The Pilgrimage enabled me to feel Franciscan Spirituality, as we visited the places where Francis and Clare had actually lived.
Our Pilgrimage directors Fr. Russell and Sr. Annie recounted the history in a way that actually transformed you to a different time and place so as to connect with those who Francis and Clare ministered to.

For me, the experience was so many things: spiritual, emotional, fun, invigorating, peaceful, exhausting, interesting (just to mention a few). I valued the opportunity to meet my co-workers from both Provinces and to share our common experiences. Without hesitation I would urge anyone who has the opportunity to attend in the future to go – it is an experience you will never forget."

--Sandy Miller, Provincial Secretary, Immaculate Conception Province.



"My experience in Assisi will be one that I will remember the rest of my life. When we arrived in Assisi my first impression was that it was so peaceful that you could feel the spirituality in the air. There was just something special about this place that I really can’t put into words. Even though I have been working for the Friars for 13 years I did not know the true roots of Franciscanism and being an employee of this Order I think it is important for us to know about the origins of Franciscanism. This pilgrimage also gave us an opportunity to meet our co-workers in the Franciscan community whom we had never met before.

Sr. Anne and Fr. Russell guided us into the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare emotionally, physically and spiritually. The experience showed me the love for Jesus Christ and the Church and the sacrifices and the suffering that Francis, Clare and the Apostles made to follow their Savior’s path. The exquisite churches visited in this experience made me realize how much the love of God is evident in the Churches and the people in Italy. I also want to thank Sr. Anne and Fr. Russell for truly making this a spiritual growth experience for me."

   --Shamila Tahir, Assistant to the Province Treasurer, Immaculate Conception Province.



"This was a most wonderful and spiritual experience. I never imagined this would be so beautiful and inspiring. I thought I knew St. Francis before, in comparison I hardly knew him at all. And, I'm surprised how little I knew of St. Clare, but no more, Fr. Russell and Sr. Ann did an excellent job enlightening me and I'm sure everyone there. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the Pilgrimage and I've been telling everyone, who stands still long enough, of my wonderful experience.. God bless you and everyone who was a part of this wonderful journey."

--Patti Boyle, Mother Cabrini Parish, Shamokin, PA



"It has been 3 weeks since the Pilgrimage, and we are still chatting about the wonderful experience. We are so grateful we had this opportunity and feel truly blessed to have made our first journey to Assisi with Sr. Annie and Fr. Russ. Because of their incredible planning, we didn’t worry about one thing – prayer time, Daily Mass, meals, transportation, banking, tours, shopping tips – everything was perfect!Their intimate knowledge of Francis and Clare gave a unique insight into these two extraordinary Saints. The spiritual rituals we shared at many of the Mass celebrations will be with us forever. “Thank you” is hardly adequate for the gift they gave us – truly a life changing experience."
--Lynn Brown, Provincial House Staff, St. Anthony of Padua Province, Ellicott City, MD

The pilgrimage begins “at home” in Assisi where we will spend six days being absorbed in the Franciscan story through places such as San Damiano (with the famous cross that spoke to St. Francis); the Porziuncola (St. Mary of the Angels, St. Francis’ beloved chapel and the site of his death in 1226); the Carceri (the hermitage outside the city walls of Assisi, where Francis often went for periods of intense prayer); and the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare. On our way to Rome we pass through the Rieti Valley and stop at Greccio, the place where Francis acted out the Christmas drama. And it was in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, that the dreams of Francis and Clare were confirmed for the entire world to live. We will visit the Tomb of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, San Francesco a Ripa, all of which relate to the story of Francis and our Franciscan heritage.

On our way to Rome we pass through the Rieti Valley and stop at Greccio, the place where Francis acted out the Christmas drama. And it was in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, that the dreams of Francis and Clare were confirmed for the entire world to live. We will visit the Tomb of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, San Francesco a Ripa, all of which relate to the story of Francis and our Franciscan heritage.

The input offered on the Franciscan charism and spirituality provide an opportunity to look at oneself in a new way through the eyes of Saints Francis and Clare. There will be opportunities for daily prayer and Eucharist, as well as blocks of free time for leisure and fun with companion pilgrims. There will be a free day in Assisi where pilgrims may explore Assisi on their own, or take a day excursion (at their own expense) to Florence.

The cost for this once-in-a-lifetime experience is $3,350.00 from Chicago O’Hare, or $3,399 from Minneapolis-St. Paul. (For a single room, the supplement is $300.00.) $100.00 of this cost is tax-free deduction which will benefit Franciscan Retreats. A $200.00 deposit is required to hold your space for this program, with the full payment due by July 30, 2009.