A group of pilgrims from Saint Francis and a few diocesan parishes traveled to holy sites in Rome and Assisi from May 14 through May 23 to learn more about and experience our Catholic and Franciscan heritage. Father Brian Isenbarger (BA ’12) accompanied the group as the pilgrimage chaplain. Sisters included Assistant Director of the St. Benedict the Moor Justice Center Sr. Mary Joseph, and Sr. Karol Ann and Sr. Mary Amata from Mishawaka. Employees included Manager of Human Resource Operations Sarah Buta, Risk Management and Environmental Health Coordinator Jenny Shepler and Communications Manager Tess Steffen. Six students also joined the group.

Highlights for the travelers included seeing Pope Francis during his Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square, visiting the four major basilicas in Rome and having Mass in the crypt at St. Peter’s and other extraordinary sites every day. They visited the place in Assisi where St. Francis grew up and his tomb, and where he heard the San Damiano crucifix assign his mission, “Francis, rebuild my Church.” They also visited Greccio, a tiny village where St. Francis created the first nativity scene in a cave in 1228.

It was a beautiful time of prayer, exposure to the life of St. Francis and many other saints, and education on the history, art, architecture and culture of Rome. Most importantly, it challenged the pilgrims to discern how the Lord calls each person to live their life more in communion with Him. Access photos.