Day 16 

July 9th, Sts. Augustine Zhoa Rang and companions, martyrs 

What is the cause of delight during a pilgrimage? 


Being at places where the Word of God echoed so profoundly in hearts that men and women radically changed their lives to live in union with Jesus Christ? Visiting buildings that represent a faith and hope so strong that generation after generation renews and embellishes the beauty for the glory of God? Praying in the presence of those whose love of Christ is even greater than their love of earthly life itself? Yes, these and more bring delight that is planted deep in our memories.

Our pilgrimage to Assisi began with a train ride toward Perugia. We are fortunate to have three communities of Franciscans represented this summer: Sisters of the St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist from Independence , MO; Marian Sisters of Lincoln, Nebraska; and the Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ from Amarillo (Prayer Town), Texas. We participated in an Italian Mass at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria degli Angelie. Inside in the center of the church is the small chapel, Porziuncola, that Francis and his followers rebuilt by hand. The spot where St. Francis died was directly to our right. 

We then traveled by bus to the Basilica di San Francesco. 

After an hour of prayerfully diciphering the frescoes from the 1200's, we hiked up the steep hill to a great little restaurant for an authentic Italian meal. 










Finally, we walked across town to the basilica of Santa Chiara (Clare). Her incorrupt body is displayed for veneration in the crypt and the original cross from San Damiano hangs in a side chapel.

We again thank the CMSWR board, our individual communities and all our benefactors who made this amazing experience possible!