Exploring, celebrating and walking during Italian Easter, 10-20 April 2017

We invite you to join a nine-day journey to sacred places in Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio, where you will encounter the presence and power of Francis and Clair of Assisi and their message. Together, yet in different ways, this man and woman chose a life radically dedicated to transcendent values. 

Their message is of universal appeal, as captured by “The Spirit of Assisi,” the international project of religious, ecumenical and cultural dialogue that celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Francis’ greeting Pace e bene, ‘peace and all that is good’, goes beyond divisions, confessions and institutions, as it appeals to the foundations of human existence that we all share: we are called to establish peace between body and spirit, between female and male, between present and eternity, and thus discover all the goodness of life.

The journey brings you to places, texts and images that speak for themselves and will enrich your life. You will spend time at places that possess their own spirit and depth and their own special gift for you to quietly discover through meditation, drawing or painting, sharing with others, ritual celebrations or simply by walking through some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes.

First we explore the figures of Francis and Clair, their historical setting, the message of their lives, and their contemporary appeal. This we do in Assisi, where we visit the sites that marked the birth and growth of the brotherhood and sisterhood both strove to realise.

We then continue our journey through larger spaces, guided by the oldest work of Italian literature, Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures. We spend three full days at La Verna, where we celebrate the Easter rituals of life and death and resurrected life. Finally, we visit the valley of Rieti, walking ancient trails like Francis did and meditating in quiet convents like Clair.

Click here for the full program of the ten-day journey.

Canticle of the Creatures

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord!
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.

To You, alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and You give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in the heavens You have made them bright, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
and clouds and storms, and all the weather,
through which You give Your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water;
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,
who feeds us and rules us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You;
through those who endure sickness and trial.

Happy those who endure in peace,
for by You, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death,
from whose embrace no living person can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those she finds doing Your most holy will.
The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks,
and serve Him with great humility.