I have spent more than half of my adult life working for the Franciscan Friars. Throughout those years I have learned a great deal about St. Francis and Franciscan Spirituality so when Fr. Justin presented the opportunity to participate in the Franciscan Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, I jumped at the chance but not because I felt as though it would teach me anything new. The truth is (and anyone who knows me will confirm it) I love to travel and this was an opportunity to go back to Italy, one of my favorite places on earth. Was I in for a surprise!
I learned in order to really understand St. Francis, St. Clare and Franciscan Spirituality you must experience this Pilgrimage because being in Assisi and walking in the footsteps of Francis and Clare is the only way to appreciate what they were all about. There is an indescribable feeling that comes upon you in this place and it stays with you. So many of my friends have commented on how very different I am since returning from this trip.
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 this Pilgimage in the future to go – it is an experience you will never forget – one that will change your life. I can’t wait to go back!
For the week of June 28:
“Approximately 2.8 million students will graduate from US High Schools this year. Some will go on to college; others will join the military or take another path in life. But they will get the opportunity to test their dreams and live their American story. However, a group of about 65,000 students a year will not have this opportunity because they bear the inherited title of undocumented immigrant. These highly motivated individuals have lived in the United States all their lives and want nothing more than to be recognized as American citizens. The DREAM Act—introduced by Senators Richard Durbin of Illinois and Richard Lugar of Indiana and Rep. Howard Berman of California and Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida—can solve this growing problem. Under the rigorous provisions of the DREAM Act, undocumented young people could be eligible for a conditional path to citizenship in exchange for a mandatory two years in higher education or military service. Undocumented young people must also demonstrate good moral character to be eligible for and stay in conditional residency. At the end of the long process, the young person can have the chance to become an American citizen. The DREAM Act Portal works to turn this dream into a reality.” From the DREAM Act Portal website. To find out more visit dreamact.info.