Assisi Pilgrims Share Experiences

An amazing and uplifting experience

We had heard that the St. Bonaventure Pilgrimage to the land of St. Francis was pretty special but little did we know just how special it really was! 

The thought of taking a pilgrimage was somewhat daunting at first. Was this going to be a trip that focused upon silence, penance and prayer? How much time would we spend on our knees? 

Not to worry! Although the pilgrimage certainly provided for a wonderful spiritual experience, and one which could be appreciated by those of many faith traditions, it was also educational, inspirational and fun! To walk the streets and visit the places where Francis and Clare lived in the Middle Ages, to visit the boyhood home of St. Bonaventure, and to see those special places in Rome that are part of the Franciscan heritage were all very special events indeed. 

And while a trip to Italy is special at any time, it was much more so because of our guides, all of whom were Franciscan scholars who enthusiastically shared their knowledge and experience of these wonderful places. And, in keeping with the best Franciscan tradition, they likewise directed us to the best local pasta, vino and gelato! 

In our view, the pilgrimage was much more than just a trip. It was a joyful, intimate experience, which enabled us to better understand and appreciate the lives of Francis, Clare and Bonaventure and their influence and meaning for present times. We would certainly urge all alumni, family, friends, and anyone with an interest in things Franciscan to consider this pilgrimage.  It is indeed, an amazing and uplifting experience. 

-- Jerry, '62, and Mary Ford, 2006 Pilgrimage 

Which was my favorite pasta?

Now that's a question that is impossible to answer. Also impossible to answer is: "What was your favorite experience during the 2007 Pilgrimage to Assisi?" Simply put, the entire experience -- from the arrival at the airport in Rome to the departure 10 short days later -- was exceptionally organized and completely enjoyable, enlightening and inspiring. 

No one really knows what to expect. After all, aren't pilgrimages supposed to be full of sacrifice and struggle? If so, then this experience needs to be re-named. The organizers are experts at knowing how to manage group travel, how to be respectful of the time and space needed to really experience this place of historical wonder, natural splendor and spiritual significance. 

The pilgrimage is an opportunity to grow in your awareness of the Franciscan tradition through an investigation of the remarkable lives of Saints Francis, Clare and Bonaventure. In doing so, you are given the opportunity to immerse yourself in the delightful Italian culture and cuisine, and surround yourself with innumerable breathtaking sights -- natural and manmade. This perfect setting causes even the most reluctant pilgrim to consider her personal role in advancing the Franciscan tradition that transcends time, place, and denomination. 

Perhaps the most compelling testimony I can offer is: I'm going back. I simply cannot wait to return to Assisi, to spend time in the beautiful and historic cathedrals, chapels and hermitages, and to continue this journey that I have been blessed to be amidst. 

Buono viaggio! 

-- Emily Sinsabaugh, Ph.D., 2007 Pilgrimage 

The magic began the day we arrived

Jet-lagged and rumpled, we left the chaotic environment of the airport for the relative quiet of our bus and began the drive past the hills of Rome with those fantastic umbrella pines, toward the hillside village of Assisi. 

It was a real treat to be able to turn total responsibility for the schedule and planning to the pilgrimage team. I could just enjoy the sights, the food, the readings and discussions and the new friends. It felt absolutely luxurious not to have to do any of the planning!  

The pilgrimage staff members were wonderful. They were caring toward us and passionate about Francis and Clare. Their enthusiasm and energy were so contagious, I know I walked more than I ever thought possible because I didn’t want to miss a single detail. 

There was a wonderful balance between activity and reflection. I enjoyed the readings and our group rituals at the holy sites. They were meaningful and joyous. I felt blessed to sit and worship in some of the places that were truly sacred ground. I’m going back. 

-- Peggy Yehl Burke, Ed.D., 2007 Pilgrim 

Every day was an adventure and a learning experience

I had the good fortune to participate in the SBU Franciscan Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome along with my wife, Barb, daughter Gabrielle, and 24 other people from St. Bonaventure and from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind. 

Every single day was an exciting adventure and a wonderful learning experience about the saints after whom our university was founded 148 years ago. For me, the pilgrimage was a signature event in my life. It provided many wonderful perspectives about the lives of St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Bonaventure that I never really grasped before. 

This inspirational trip gave me much greater appreciation of the Franciscan heritage. I also now know why our core curriculum is named after Clare, and I have a much greater understanding of St. Bonaventure's dedication to, and affection for, Francis of Assisi. 

My suggestion to the 25,000 alumni of St. Bonaventure is that if you are looking to reconnect with your alma mater in an intimate way, there is no better way to do so than to take advantage of this 12-day pilgrimage. It will open your heart, your mind, and your soul as to why a St. Bonaventure education in the Franciscan tradition has been such a meaningful part of your life. 

-- Bob Crowley, '71, 2006 Pilgrimage 

Your days will be full

Your first glimpse of Assisi will be from below as the bus winds its way up the ancient rise. Within hours you will begin to feel the transformation from a crumpled, jet-lagged visitor to a pilgrim-citizen of this city of Francis and Clare. 

The supposed indispensables -- cell phones, PCs, TVs -- will be surrendered more easily than you imagined and replaced by the paradoxes that make up this remarkable pilgrimage: peaceful solitude amid lively camaraderie, unpretentious accommodations boasting epicurean meals, erudite spiritual directors doubling as engaging tour guides. 

Your days will be full with visits to such sites as the Basilica of St. Francis and its glorious frescoes, San Damiano’s silver-dappled olive trees, and the breath-taking ascent to Bagnoregio, St. Bonaventure’s island in the sky. Evenings will find you in the Piazza Communale sampling gelato, sipping wine or strolling along the warm, worn cobblestones of Assisi. 

The pilgrimage concludes in Rome, a bustling setting where you will add to your already rich trove of experiences and memories. 

-- Linda LoSchiavo, 2005 Pilgrimage 

A deep and rewarding personal experience

My pilgrimage experience was absolutely incredible. 

I’ve been a member of the St. Bonaventure faculty for over 20 years, and have come to really appreciate the values and spirit of the Franciscan tradition. In recent years, through our “Pacioli Project” Signature Program at the university, I have also had the opportunity for more in-depth study of Franciscan history. 

To be able then to “walk in the footsteps” of Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure was a fantastic experience. The pilgrimage greatly increased my intellectual knowledge and understanding of the Franciscan tradition. But, much more importantly, it was a deep and rewarding personal experience that could not have occurred in any other way. 

-- Michael Fischer, 2005 Pilgrimage 

Intellectually, spiritually and socially rewarding

As an alumna of St. Bonaventure and a faculty member since 1985, I have always wanted to know more about our Franciscan heritage. The School of Business collaborated with the School of Franciscan Studies to develop a program called “The Pacioli Project” that has provided us with an opportunity to study St. Francis and St. Clare and the Franciscan movement with the ultimate goal of further incorporating Franciscan values in our business curriculum. 

The pilgrimage brought the readings to life for me, enriching my knowledge and spirituality in ways that I could not have imagined. 

The beauty of Assisi, La Verna, and other places we visited, combined with the incredible knowledge of our pilgrimage leaders, resulted in an experience that was intellectually, spiritually, and socially rewarding. To walk some of the same roads as Francis and Clare, to see many of the places in which they experienced key events in their lives, and to visit the basilicas created in their honor, were all remarkable experiences. 

For those of us connected with St. Bonaventure University, the trip to our patron saint’s hometown of Civita di Bagnoregio was especially rewarding. 

Not only will I never forget this pilgrimage, I hope to repeat it in five or 10 years to gain new insights into our Franciscan heritage and to further develop my own knowledge and spirituality. The pilgrimage has left me with a great desire to learn more and to remember my roots as a member of a Franciscan university in my day-to-day life. 

-- Carol Fischer, '80, 2005 Pilgrimage