Franciscan pilgrimage

From April 14–23, 2026, pilgrims led by Franciscan Mission Associates traveled through Italy to mark the 800th Jubilee of St. Francis of Assisi, walking in the footsteps of the saint whose life continues to shape the Church and the Franciscan spirit today.

The pilgrimage was led by Fr. Alvin, OFM, Executive Director of Franciscan Mission Associates, with the support of Fr. Bruce, OFM, and Br. Kevin Gabriel, OFM, then a transitional deacon. Daily Masses at Franciscan holy sites and an unhurried pace gave pilgrims time to pray, reflect, and absorb the spirit of each place.

Assisi formed the heart of the journey. Pilgrims prayed at the tomb of St. Francis, visited the Porziuncola where he first heard the Gospel call to rebuild the Church, and traveled to San Damiano, where the crucifix spoke the words: “Go, repair my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.”

In Gubbio, pilgrims reflected on Francis’ embrace of radical poverty and the famous story of the wolf, a lasting symbol of peace achieved through compassion rather than force.

At Fonte Colombo, the quiet hermitage where Francis wrote the definitive Rule of the Order, pilgrims encountered the simplicity and austerity at the heart of Franciscan life.

Greccio, known as the “Franciscan Bethlehem,” recalled Francis’ first living Nativity in 1223, an event that shaped the Christmas traditions now celebrated around the world.

For many, La Verna became the spiritual summit of the pilgrimage. It was there that Francis received the stigmata in 1224 during intense prayer. The mountain sanctuary remains one of the most sacred places in the Franciscan tradition.

Rome brought the journey to its conclusion with visits to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, San Francesco a Ripa, and St. Peter’s Basilica, where the final Mass was celebrated. There, pilgrims reflected on Francis’ deep fidelity to the Church and the enduring place of the Franciscan charism within it.

For Franciscan Mission Associates, the pilgrimage reflected the heart of its mission: accompanying benefactors not only through works of charity, but also in faith itself. As the Church continues to mark the 800th Jubilee of St. Francis, we are grateful to walk this path of renewal with you.

If you are interested in joining a future Franciscan pilgrimage, we invite you to sign up for pilgrimage updates and announcements using the form on this page.