In the Footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi

 

As the capstone of their classical education, seniors at Saint Thomas More Academy embark on a pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, walking in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi and encountering the heart of both Western civilization and the Catholic faith.

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Our students diligently prepare for this pilgrimage through study and prayer by reading the life of Saint Francis and the Itinerarium mentis ad Deum by Saint Bonaventure. Moreover, our seniors work with great maturity and industriousness to raise funds for this capstone experience through letter writings campaigns, working part-time jobs, and hosting fundraising events.

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Assisi 

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Students begin their pilgrimage in Assisi - the beautiful town of Saint Francis and Saint Clare nestled in this hills of Italy's Umbrian valley. This first half of their trip is a backpacking experience, with several hikes taking them to noteworthy places related to the lives of Francis, Clare, and their first followers. In Gubbio, students discover the place where Francis tamed Brother Wolf. Hiking to Greccio - the place where Francis made the first Nativity scene - gives students the opportunity to travel as the Magi did in meeting the Christ child. Finally, their trek to Monte La Verna brings them to the place where the Poverello of Assisi received the stigmata, and was perfectly conformed to Christ crucified. 

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Rome

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In Rome, students encounter the living heart of the Church and the splendor of Western civilization. Highlights include visits to Saint Clement Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, a Wednesday Audience with the Holy Father, the Vatican Museums, Mass in the Pantheon, and plenty of gelato!

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