4pm we will begin with welcomes, introductions, overview of the week, presentation with Ken Butigan and evening Mass with Friar Michael. Less obvious are the many people who walk the campus who have made pilgrimages to Assisi that deepened their appreciation for and connection to St. Francis and St. Clare and distilled their understanding of what it means to be Franciscan. Its an amazing place.. The news of a healthy delivery of a baby girl came just in time for her to catch up to her fellow pilgrims at St. Peter Square, clutching two rosaries to be blessed by the Pope, one for each of her grandchildren. On Sunday, October 30, 2022, the community blessed and sent forth 18 pilgrims on a 10-day pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy. Overnight. After our visit we take our taxis and transfer to the Church of San Damiano, a tiny church located outside of the walls of Assisi. Theres a distinction between a pilgrimage and a tour, said Sr. Laura, who leads student pilgrimages every two years. Come, join Delores Montpetit and her husband Ken . Or, if you want something more active, you can explore the hidden corners of Assisi, go for a hike in the beautiful countryside, or visit a neighboring city like Spello or Perugia. After some free time for lunch and self exploration, on the way back to Assisi, we stop and visit the Rivo Torto church containing the hut where St. Francis and his companions sheltered and where he had drawn up the first draft of theRule. You cant help but get into it. Assisi Pilgrimages Help Keep Viterbo's Franciscan Connection Strong Thursday, February 23, 2023 The Dancing Francis statue on Viterbo's Assisi Courtyard is one of the visible signs of the university's Franciscan heritage. Franciscan Farewell On Sunday, October 30, 2022, the community blessed and sent forth 18 pilgrims on a 10-day pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy. They get a reverence for Francis in a few short days. Umbria, Italy. Pilgrims will stay in a convent of Franciscan sisters in the historic center of Assisi. Franciscans are really concerned with those who are on the margins. Over the course of their friendship, they have designed, delivered, and mentored a variety of retreats and educational programs for Franciscan communities, 12-step communities and the Education for Ministry (EFM) program of the Episcopal Church. Thats the place where it all began. Coming back to class was amazing, Graham said. Viterbo is committed to keeping its Franciscan identity strong, and that includes offering Assisi pilgrimages for faculty, administration, staff, students, and alumni. He is delighted to collaborate again with PaulKimmerling, for all of the reasons that Paul mentions below! Day 4 - Assisi - La Verna - Florence. Several weeks before the trip, we will also hold a zoom orientation for all those attending the pilgrimage. Why make a Pilgrimage in the third Millennium ? We visit as well the Church of San Francesco dAssisi a Ripa, built in the 13th century on the site of a hospice for travelers where St. Francis lived during his stay in Rome. Rev. We will provide taxis for any pilgrim who needs assistance to each days location. All around St. Peter Square are people struggling with destitution and homelessness. Afternoons will be free for lunch, rest, getting to know other participants, and further sight-seeing. Pray in each place. The Franciscan Tradition. In the spirit of Mary Magdalene, the first to see and announce the resurrection, CMA proclaims the renewing and transforming power of encountering Christ in our lives and in the world. . (9 km; 5.5 miles) Day 7: From Assisi we can easily reach Rome or Florence by train, or Siena by bus. Mark is also a faculty member at All Faiths Seminary International for the training of interfaith ministers. John Quigley, a Franciscan Friar and priest, is an accomplished public speaker and a talented artist. Overnight. A tourist wont pay any attention to them. The pilgrimages are inspired in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, who had great love for God, the world's beauty, and the companionship of others. Conrad explained, as long as the traveler is fully present and intent on understanding and embracing the people and the culture. The Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your email address will not be published. We then walk to the Piazza near St. Clares Church and take taxis up the winding road to the Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage). Like the student trip, last years employee pilgrimage started at the Vatican, where pilgrims had some inspiring experiences, including a rare chapel service in St. Peters crypt and an audience with Pope Francis on St. Peter Square. Pilgrimage C combines A and B for a complete two-week immersion, starting within the medieval walls of Assisi, and continuing with travel into Umbria andbeyond to cities with important Franciscan legacies.When you choose Pilgrimage C, you enjoy a discount of $400.00 for a single room,or a discount of $350.00 for a shared room. Outside of our scheduled activities you are responsible for your own transportation. You'll have the opportunity to visit the birthplace of St. Francis and see where he began his ministry. Hardies have a personal connection to this region of Italy and are eager to share their knowledge of Italian culture, Franciscan spirituality, as well as the spiritual practice of pilgrimage. In 2019, Paul led Through Beginners Eyes, a photography retreat to foster new ways of seeing the world and encourage greater creativity in photo making. The nave, semi-circular apse and sacristy still have remains of frescoes from the 14th and 15th century. Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land P.O. Viterbo faculty member Laura Nettles of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration knows the critical importance of study abroad experiences in education. . Prior to that, Paul led a number of contemplative photography retreats and workshops at Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY, on the Highline in Manhattan, and at Little Portion Friary, LI, NY. The Rt. Yet Assisi is not exclusive. Aug. 16, 2015. You will go via Assisi, the home of the saint, and end in the classic and Eternal City of Rome. Conrad talks about how Franciss first followers were combat veterans, and in Assisi the veterans build their own sense of brotherhood, of community, by all staying together in a pensione (boarding house). Looking for ideas for the Italy pilgrimage? I came back with this lightheartedness and joy, walking with a lighter step. Naomi Stennes-Spidahl, who came to Viterbo in 1998 as an adjunct English instructor and now is director of assessment and institutional research, said shes always had an affinity for Franciscan values and appreciated how her 2022 pilgrimage experience included people of all faiths and no faiths., The pilgrimage experience exceeded my expectations, and I had pretty high expectations from talking to others, she said. Lunch and afternoon free. . di Roma 743352 - Trib. Hes also a spiritual director, bishop, priest, chaplain, retreat leader, author, crisis counselor for the homeless, and past president and executive director ofthe Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute, which draws together the inspiration of the church with the wisdom of psychological care. For walkers, the sanctuary makes a nice half-day outing, or it can be combined in a circular driving route with a visit to Rivolato, another pilgrimage site connected to St. Francis. More details will be provided. Your cost of travel (including airfare and transfers) to the beginning of the pilgrimage and back from the end of it. In 1999 and 2003 Friar Michael ministered in Assisi, Italy at the Basilica of St. Francis as a pilgrim guide. Facebook 0 . Hardies as soon as you can: rhardies@gmail.com. Assisi, Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order and St. Clare the foundress of the Poor Clare's. It's a beautiful, peaceful, medieval village in Italy. Buffet Breakfast. Im a Junior philosophy major here at Franciscan. Mass with Friar Michael afterwards at San Damiano. Louie . Required fields are marked *. During a typical year of operations, FPP produces 35-50 pilgrimages, hosting . Student pilgrimages start in Rome, including a visit to the Vatican. Viterbo covers most of the cost of employee participation in the pilgrimages, which are conducted by Wisconsin-based Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs. Since completing his military service, Fr. I've always loved Assisi and look forward to my visits at Casa Papa Giovanni. Feel free to rest, walk, shop, or visit other Franciscan sites such as La Verna, Gubbio, or Greccio. The pilgrim Fr. 2018 Great Travel Service srl. Photography, Explore Other BlogsExplore Other Blogs Select Category Arrival Day Austria Blogs Austria FAQ Before Leaving Cohagan Fiascone For the Parents. Join Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service and the Franciscan Action Network on a powerful pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy in the summer of 2024 led by Franciscan Friar Michael Lasky and Dr. Ken Butigan. Louie . There will also be time for quiet reflection and group discussion, as well as personal check-ins. For decades Pace e Bene and the Franciscan Action Network have promoted active engagement for justice, peace, and nonviolence in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. As a demonstration of the solidarity recommended in that document, six Franciscan women and four . He was one of the Guilds pilgrimage leadersto Iona in 2019 and is an AP guest faculty member. On this pilgrimage, you are invited to nurture body, mind, and spirit by living into the wise ways of Francis and Clare. Join Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service and the Franciscan Action Network on a powerful pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy in the summer of 2024 led by Franciscan Friar Michael Lasky and Dr. Ken Butigan.. The group spent 7-days in and around Assisi, visiting the holy places connected to the lives of St. Francis and Saint Clare, growing deeper each day in love with Franciscan spirituality, and creating a bond with one another. As we walk through the beautiful Italian landscape, we will also explore the inner terrain of our hearts and souls with the help of daily readings, questions, spiritual practices, and group reflection every evening before dinner. The Pilgrimage to Assisi. He began his pastoral and . Sede legale: 58, Via Cavour - 00184 - Roma - Italia - Tel. Ken lives in Chicago with his spouse Cynthia Okayama Dopke and their daughter. Conrad picked was Rick Trietley, now entrusted with leading Viterbo University as its 10, Viterbo Students Learn Franciscan Leadership in Italy, Viterbo Veterans Seek Peace on Assisi Pilgrimage, Emily Dykman: A Life of Faith and Harmony, Rev. I recommend this lovely place and give it my highest recommendation. Mass with Friar Michael later that morning in the Chapel of Peace at the Basilica. The application for the May 2023 Assisi Pilgrimage is now open! Theres ample evidence St. Francis suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and survivor's guilt, said Fr. We board on our motor-coach and travel through the Region of Umbria, the green heart of Italy, to the beautiful medieval town of Assisi. Pilgrimage Afollows the footsteps of Francis and Clare within and around Assisi, Umbria. The Religious Formation Conference (RFC) is a national Roman Catholic organization serving religious institutes of women and men with programs and services for those in the ministry of initial and lifelong formation, and general congregational membership. Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with members, friends, and followers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa. My jaw just dropped. This May, after a record number of applicants stepped forward, six Viterbo employees will make the journey to Assisi. It is an itinerary on foot, by bicycle and on horseback that links together several "places" that bear witness to the life and preaching of the Saint of Assisi; a "new" pilgrimage route, which intends to reintroduce the Franciscan experience in the lands that the . Francis and the Foolishness of God or Dr. Butigans book, Franciscan Nonviolence as well as at least one biography of St. Francis such as, Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life by Adrian House. Informative gatherings lead up to our pilgrimage as we prepare to stay in Siena, Assisi and Rome with visits to Orvieto, Florence, LaVerna, Greccio, Cortona and the Vatican. Conrada pilgrimage in the broad sense in which Fr. Each pilgrimage week starts with dinner and orientation on Sunday evening with departure on the following Saturday. His love of Assisi and his deep connection with St Francis prompted Paul to design and lead five retreats in Assisi. Conrad gave the key to a fellow veteran who saw combat in Afghanistan and was then employed at a Franciscan college in western New York. Group reflection, dinner and social beginning at 5:30pm. Walking pilgrimage is a spiritual practice that encourages deep reflection on our life journey. After breakfast we transfer to the Rome airport for our return flight home. PILGRIMAGE TO ASSISI In the Footsteps of Francis & Clare May 2023 Your Invitation IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANCIS & CLARE is an immersion experience in Assisi, Italy a unique opportunity to contemplate your own spiritual path in companionship with beloved Saints Francis and Clare. When Francis was only 16, his father helped fund a revolt of the merchant class, prompting a tragic cycle of violence. Door-to-door daily luggage transfer (1 item per person), so we can walk with only day packs. Dinner and overnight. Numerous depictions of them adorn campus hallways and offices, along with representations of the San Damiano cross, before which St. Francis was praying when he heard the voice of God command him to rebuild my church.. Mark with their Unsung Hero Award last year. . Wherever you are on your life journey, you are welcome here. Enter Assisi: An Invitation to Franciscan Spirituality Franciscan Media 11 reviews $ 12.99 Advent with St. Francis: Daily Reflections Franciscan Media 8 reviews $ 18.99 St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography Franciscan Media 12 reviews $ 18.99 Franciscan Prayer Franciscan Media 4 reviews $ 18.99 Francis and Jesus Franciscan Media 4 reviews $ 15.99 We will also offer a choice of two contemplative activities please consider joining us! Paige will lead the pilgrimage alongside her colleague the Rev. It certainly was magical for Patricia Rivera Torres, a senior theatre major (with a religious studies minor) who was one of 16 students who went on the pilgrimage last spring. The power of the pilgrimage deepened our awareness and commitment to claim a non violent way of life. Kathleen and Ed S. If you have a longing to go deeper on your pilgrim journey, in the beauty of Assisi, I highly recommend Pace e Bene. Day 2 - Arrive Rome. In the classes before the pilgrimage, Graham said, the students soaked up the shared knowledge but didnt often volunteer their own perspectives. We then continue to our hotel for dinner and the evening. This journey is a one-week pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy June 23 June 30, 2024, to pray, study the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, build community, and deepen our commitment to Gospel nonviolence. Melissa Growt, assistant director of Viterbos Academic Resource Center, said she came back from the 2022 pilgrimage with a much deeper understanding of Francis and Clare and their commitment to their vision, especially the emphasis on community that is central to Franciscan ideals. Activity Level. The Viterbo University Alumni Association has sponsored Italian heritage tours that included visits to Assisiwith another one planned for October 2023 to be led by Fr. Required fields are marked *. While no changes are anticipated, there might be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes in airline schedules or for other reasons. FRANCIS OF ASSISI VS. MACHIAVELLI, pt. For most of its history, FSPA members dominated faculty and staff positions, and until the 1940s all the students were FSPA members, too. This journey is a one-week pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy June 23 - June 30, 2024, to pray, study the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, build community, and deepen our commitment to . Ken earned his Ph.D. in the Historical and Cultural Studies of Religions at the Graduate Theological Union in 2000. 12 Days: St. Paul in Rome, Greece, & Turkey Explore St. Paul in each of these three venues, plus see the classic sites in each locale. Hes initiated into multiple spiritual lineages, both East (Buddhist) and West (Christian); and, as a long-time seeker and practitioner of spiritual wisdom, does his best to affirm the Christian Wisdom tradition within a wider inter-spiritual framework. In 2022, in response to the war in Ukraine, Friar Michael began organizing Franciscan Social Theatre Trainings in Poland, where Ukrainian actors and actresses were taught how to facilitate social theatre for children suffering from war trauma. He developed and for several years directed Pace e Benes From Violence To Wholeness program, and was actively involved in creating Pace e Benes Engage: Exploring Nonviolent Living program. Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi. Sede legale: 58, Via Cavour - 00184 - Roma - Italia - Tel. At the airport in Rome, the USA-based group met Sr. Magdalena Schmitz and Sr. Emma Sitorus from the General Council of our international congregation and the pilgrimage leaders. Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, OFM, better known as Francis of Assisi (Italian: Francesco d'Assisi; c. 1181 - 3 October 1226), was an Italian Catholic friar who founded the Franciscans.He was inspired to lead a life of poverty as an itinerant preacher.One of the most venerated figures in Christianity, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 16 July 1228. On Oct. 3 in the year of Our Lord 2020, Pope Francis made a pilgrimage to Assisi to celebrate a Mass at the tomb of St. Francis and immediately afterward signed his encyclical Fratelli Tutti on social friendship and care of our common home. To see samples of his work, you can follow him onInstagramorFacebook. According to legend, it was here that St. Francis first heard the voice of God telling him to rebuild his church. He also wrote his famous Canticle of the Creatures in this place. Though completed centuries ago, the frescoes are still vibrant. We make our way to the Vatican City to attend the General Papal Audience (subject to the Holy Fathers schedule). Animated by Gods vivifying presence, the RFC will stand at the forefront of discerning the formative horizon of the emergent in religious life. preparation before the pilgrimage, including practice walks, setting our personal intentions for the journey, and background reading on St. Francis and the spiritual practice of pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is based at the Domus in the immediate vicinity of the imposing Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built . with Michele Dunne, OFS, Executive Director of the Franciscan Action Network. Explore "The Eternal City" and all the marvels Rome has to offer - even experience a Papal Audience with the Holy Father! Afterwards, on Saturday evening, we will have a farewell dinner. Technical guide of the pilgrimage Your email address will not be published. Date. Overnight. Conrad gave the key to a fellow veteran who saw combat in Afghanistan and was then employed at a Franciscan college in western New York. Led by Pace e Benes Dr. Ken Butigan and Friar Michael Lasky, OFM Conv. Put a deposit down to hold your spot today! All rising sophomores and juniors at St. Francis College have the opportunity to apply for the Student Franciscan Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome and other places associated with St. Francis and St. Clare. Sylvania, is sending me, along with two other Sisters, on a Franciscan Study Pilgrimage where we will experiencephysically, mentally, and spirituallythe many places of our . At the end of our visit we can return back to the hotel with our included transfer or enjoy an optional visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Paul enjoyed a long career in talent development, most recently as an independent consultant who designed and conducted workshops and coaching programs for executives, managers and individual contributors in small-mid-size technology companies in the NY Metro area. Wednesdays are completely unscheduled please do as you wish! Day 7- Rome. Meals and drinks served aloft. Francis lived from the late 12th to the early 13th Centuries. di Roma 844/92, We arrive in Rome and are met by our experienced tour manager who will accompany us throughout our journey. Each pilgrim will pay their own airfare to and from Rome, as well as ground travel from Rome to Assisi and back. The council also sponsors an annual Mayo/Franciscan Leadership Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy, which serves to strengthen leaders' understanding of Franciscan tradition and spirituality. The balance of the day will be at our leisure. We will also apply a portion of the funds towards a carbon offset program to alleviate the carbon emissions from flights and other transportation that are required for this pilgrimage. the patron saint of animals and the environment, and the founder of the Franciscan Order. Viterbo students going on Assisi pilgrimages enroll in a semester-long class in which they delve into the history of St. Francis and Clare, both of whom gave up lives of privilege to live simply and serve those on the margins, including the lepers cast out of Assisis city walls.