PILGRIMAGE TO ASSISI: On The Road with Francis of Assisi

Join our rector Rev. Dr. Angus Stuart on this 10-day all-inclusive pilgrimage to Umbria in Italy to explore together the story of Francis of Assisi in many of the places associated with him.  Rev. Canon Sean Robertshaw from the Holme Valley in Yorkshire, England will also be joining us as well as our former Associate Priest, Rev. Janice Lowell.

This really is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our patron saint, Francis of Assisi, as we visit various places associated with the story of his life, and the life of Clare of Assisi as well, and at the same time journey with one another as fellow pilgrims, fellow parishioners.  As a pilgrimage, there is also an inner journey in which we come to know ourselves more deeply and discern the spiritual path that we are on.

Cost: $2500 per person Based on 2 people sharing; there is single supplement of $425.

There may be some financial assistance available to first time pilgrims - please ask Angus Stuart if interested.  

This is includes 10 nights ensuite accommodation at St. Anthony’s Guest House in the heart of Assisi, all meals and transport and associated costs during the pilgrimage program.  It does not include the cost of getting to and from Assisi.  

For further details contact Angus Stuart (Angus.Stuart@telus.net)  

If you would like to participate: please complete an application form (downloadable below as a word document) and return it with a deposit of $300 per person to the parsih office at:

St. Francis-in-the-Wood, 4773 South Piccadilly, West Vancouver B.C. V7W 1J8  

Recommended reading: On the Road with Francis of Assisi by Linda Bird Francke, Random House, 2005.

Further Information  

Accommodation  

Ten nights’ accommodation in St. Anthony’s Guest House in the heart of Assisi, run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement.  All rooms have ensuite facilities.  

Food  

Continental breakfast is provided by the guest house.   In the middle of the day we have either a packed lunch or eat in a café or restaurant.   Most evenings we eat in various local restaurants; sometimes we will have a buffet in the guesthouse, especially if we have eaten in a restaurant at lunchtime.  

Transport  

Transport to various places associated with St. Francis of Assisi is in nine-seater minibuses driven by pilgrimage leaders.   There will be opportunities for walking and hiking, though this is not a requirement.  We will be walking to places nearby in Assisi itself.   Transport to and from Assisi at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage is not included in the price, and pilgrims are expected to make their own arrangements.  

Daily Prayer  

Each day we offer Morning, Evening and Night Prayer based on the Daily Office of the Anglican Franciscan Order, The Society of St. Francis (SSF).   Attendance at daily prayer is not mandatory, though pilgrims are encouraged to attend as it grounds and gives shape to the rest of the program and helps pilgrims make the connections between their outer and inner journeys.  

In addition, there is the opportunity to attend Sunday Eucharist with the Anglican community in Assisi at St. Leonard’s Church. 

Also, we have the opportunity to attend Vespers at the historic church of San Damiano where Francis heard Jesus speaking to him from the cross and where Clare established her community for women.  

In previous years we have been able to hold a Eucharist service at the Carceri Franciscan hermitage in the hills above Assisi and we hope to do this again.  

Program  

Please see a typical program in the separate downloadable document below.