Franciscan Pilgrimages

20/05/2026

If you've ever seen the religious symbol IHS, you can thank Bernadine of Siena for popularizing it. Bernadine (1380- 44) was a great preacher attracting crowds of over 30,000. Although it is said his voice was weak, when he was ordered to preach, he found new strength and captivated crowds with his simple imagery. The IHS symbol (the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek) and symbol of he sun was devised by him as a symbol that rallied people in the way of peace, not war and strife. He had a great impact preaching peace and renewing the Franciscan order.

20/05/2026

Ready to take a moment for your own spiritual journey? Join Mary Beth Wisniewski from Franciscan Pilgrimages for a reflective online gathering exploring how the places St. Francis and St. Clare lived, prayed, and formed community can become invitations into our own encounter with the sacred. We look forward to sharing this time of reflection and connection.

Walking Together in the Spirit of Francis and Clare Encountering the Sacred Through the Spirituality of Place Join us for a reflective online gathering with Mary Beth Wisniewski from Franciscan… Continue Reading Walking Together in the Spirit of Francis and Clare (Online)

19/05/2026

Check out this month's Pilgrim's Companion newsletter where we introduce a new 2027 pilgrimage designed for those nearing retirement or currently retired. What is yours still to do? Darleen Pryds offers a reflection using Francis as a guide.
To receive our newsletter direct to your inbox, go to franciscanpilgrimages.com and add your email to "Join our Franciscan Pilgrimage community"

19/05/2026

Mindful moment: Today, may you pause to invite God in. May you rest and live in the peace and goodness of God.
Pace e bene, pilgrims - and all!

Pilgrim photo from Assisi

08/05/2026

St. Francis famously asked: "Who are you, God, and who am I?" Franciscan Pilgrimages give you a place to be yourself, listen for God, and discover who you are.
We have pilgrimages to Rome and Assisi for high school and college students, leaders and you! For more information go to: franciscanpilgrimages.com or give us a call at: 414-427-0570. Just say: "I want to know more about pilgrimage."

05/05/2026

As we honor Mary this month of May, we’re sharing pilgrimage photos featuring her—today from St. Mary of the Angels, a place dear to Francis. Here is the prayer he offered to Mary:
Hail, holy Lady, most holy Queen,
Mary, Mother of God, ever Virgin.
You were chosen by the Most High Father in heaven,
consecrated by Him, with His most Holy Beloved Son
and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
On you descended and still remains all the fullness of grace and every good.
Hail, His Palace.
Hail His Tabernacle.
Hail His Robe.
Hail His Handmaid.
Hail, His Mother.
and Hail, all holy Virtues, who, by grace and inspiration of the Holy Spirit,
are poured into the hearts of the faithful
so that from their faithless state,
they may be made faithful servants of God through you.
Amen. 🌹

05/05/2026

As we honor Mary this month of May, we’re sharing pilgrimage photos featuring her—today from St. Mary of the Angels, a place dear to Francis. Here is the prayer he offered to Mary:
Hail, holy Lady, most holy Queen,
Mary, Mother of God, ever Virgin.
You were chosen by the Most High Father in heaven,
consecrated by Him, with His most Holy Beloved Son
and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
On you descended and still remains all the fullness of grace and every good.
Hail, His Palace.
Hail His Tabernacle.
Hail His Robe.
Hail His Handmaid.
Hail, His Mother.
and Hail, all holy Virtues, who, by grace and inspiration of the Holy Spirit,
are poured into the hearts of the faithful
so that from their faithless state,
they may be made faithful servants of God through you.
Amen.

03/05/2026

Enjoy the view from St. Peter's Square this morning and share in prayer with Pope Leo, who calls on us to "reveal to all that fraternity and peace are our calling.” Pace e Bene!

28/04/2026

Blessings today to all our Secular Franciscan Brothers and Sisters. Today we celebrate you and the beginnings of your order. Pace e Bene!

On April 28, Franciscans celebrate the memory of Blessed Luchesio (Luchesius) of Poggibonsi (c. 1180–1260). He and his wife, Buonadonna, were traditionally the first laypeople to join St. Francis's Order of Penance. The town of Poggibonsi is located in the Chianti region of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena.

To learn more about Luchesius and Buondonna, see our blog: https://www.franciscantradition.org/blog/blessed-luchesius-of-poggibonsi-first-lay-franciscan-penitent/

Image: Blessed Luchesio in the church dedicated to him

27/04/2026

Enjoy a pilgrimage moment near the Basilica of San Francesco. Whether you are looking for a place to pray, stroll, relax or enjoy the beauty of nature, we’ve got you covered.

24/04/2026

“The world is our cloister, after all. We must serve our neighbors, especially the most wounded among them (see Lk 10:37). In that desire to do good, though, our sisters’ living of minoritas reminds us (as it reminds me!) that the greatest good we can do for people is to open our lives to them—simply, humbly, generously. When we do that, the joy we have in Christ will touch their lives: the joy that comes from knowing that we are God’s beloved sons and daughters.” — Russel Murray, OFM

We’re grateful to share this reflection from Fr. Russel, one of our Franciscan pilgrimage guides. This marks our third post this week highlighting the incredible guides who accompany our pilgrims.

FPP Director Fr. John Cella's vision is that all Franciscan orders are represented on our pilgrimage staff—so that our guides truly reflect the richness and diversity of the Franciscan family. When you join one of our pilgrimages, you walk alongside men and women who study, teach, share, and live the Franciscan way of life every day.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the guides who help bring these pilgrimages to life.

“Yes, of course I do. Who doesn’t like Poor Clares?” Little did I know that that yes to my provincial minister’s question would change the direction of my ministerial life and in the process, enrich my life as a Friar Minor beyond measure.