2010 Pilgrims Linda Werbel Dashefsky, Sue Mulderrig, Dr. Christabel ’75 and Cathal Quigley ’75 outside Casa Papa Giovanni, the homebase for the Pilgrims
in Assisi. A B O V E C E N T E R : Father André Cirino at Chiesa Nuova, the church built over the site of the home of St. Francis. A B O V E R I G H T: Lauren Ventrone ’12 with Marije
Jauregui ’13 and Clement Kairouz ’12 on the 2011 student pilgrimage in the courtyard at the residence of the Bishop of Assisi.
A B O V E L E F T:
days in Assisi, walking in the footsteps of St. Francis, and learning
to many of those from the College, traveled to Assisi for the first time
about his life and teachings. The trip concludes with three days in
in 1980 and was deeply inspired by his experience there. “The more
Rome, which gives participants a wider context of both past and
I delved into the world of Franciscan theology, spirituality and history,
present Franciscan traditions.
the more energy seemed to flow through me. Then, in summer of
“I’d been to Assisi 14 times for conferences and meetings, but on
1983, the director of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs called me after
my 15th trip, the pilgrimage, I experienced Assisi in a whole different
I returned from my third visit to Assisi to invite me to become part of
way,” said Bro. Thomas Grady ’68, who coordinated all the student
their staff. I jumped right in.”
trips. “No one had previously explained the rich history of the city.
Fr. André noted that the experience of a pilgrim is very different
Even after 48 years as a Brother, the trip led me to a new and deeper
from that of a casual visitor or tourist. Pilgrims seek to be deeply
interest in St. Francis. There is a lot we can learn from his life that is
affected by their experience, and the focus is on the journey as much
still very relevant today.”
as the destination.
Learning about the teachings of St. Francis and visiting the historical
“In Assisi, I found a rock and I walked around the entire trip with
sites that had been significant in his life meant that, “for seven
that rock,” said Cindy Luz Hernandez ’13, who traveled as a student
days I had Francis’s shoes on,” said Technology Training Associate
in 2010. “It just felt good to hold the rock and I decided to bring it home
Sue Mulderrig, who went on the fall 2010 pilgrimage. Through the tours,
with me so when I start feeling depressed or when I start feeling alone
lectures and prayer, Mulderrig said she better understood how far ahead
I have the rock to hold on to. It’s just something small. Then during the
of his time St. Francis was in preaching tolerance and respect for others.
SGA Club Fair, I gave out little rocks that said things like ‘trust,’ ‘faith,’
“There’s so much charm and so much character, there’s almost an
air of spirituality to Assisi because of who St. Francis was,” she said.
“I think it made me more aware of what it means to be Franciscan and it
made me appreciate the College’s desire to make that ‘Franciscan spirit’
palpable in the building and to take it out beyond the doors and walls.”
Father André Cirino, O.F.M., Franciscan author and pilgrimage guide
‘hope,’ and ‘strength.’ ”
“Most important, my relationship with God strengthened,” said
Hernandez.
“I see a spark of spiritual journey in our students before they go,”
added Bro. Thomas. “And when they return, that spark has become
a flame.” ●
Who Was St. Francis of Assisi?
By Meghan Lewitt
St. Francis was born Francesco di Bernardone in the central Italian
“Poor Clares.” Francis died at the age of 44. Two years later,
hill town of Assisi in 1181 or 1182. The son of a wealthy cloth
Pope Gregory IX pronounced him a saint.
merchant, he spent his early years living a luxurious and, by many
Francis of Assisi’s worldview delighted in the wonder of God’s
accounts, decadent lifestyle. In 1202, he was taken prisoner
creation in everyone and everything. The modern environmental
during one of the many wars between Assisi and neighboring
movement’s adoption of him as its patron saint is no surprise.
Perugia. He contracted a serious illness during his captivity which
Numerous stories celebrate Francis’ ability to communicate with
endured well after his release and return to Assisi.
animals as well as his love for the natural world.
When he recovered, he believed God was calling him to a
Francis’ work wi F