OVERVIEW
If you hunger for renewal of your own faith;
or for the bruised faith of loved ones;
or for your church or society,
this pilgrimage is designed for you.
Not unlike Jesus, Francis is a historical figure who is often misinterpreted, misappropriated and underestimated. He was a man living in a time where there was widespread distrust with the church and institutional authority. In the space of fifteen years, he built a movement that profoundly restored trust and led millions to God, championed the dignity of the poor and
numbered over 10,000 sisters and brothers.
This is the spiritual pilgrimage that resonates with the cry of our times.
We will speak to the heartaches and hopes of our era. Join us as we trace Francis’ path from personal turmoil to spiritual renewal, encountering the divine in the faces of lepers, amidst broken churches, and within the pages of scripture. Through his example, we’ll explore how he challenged the status quo, urging the Church to embrace a higher standard of authenticity and credibility.
Amidst breathtaking mountain vistas, along medieval pathways, and amidst the timeless artistry of frescoes and Roman architecture, immerse yourself in the presence of the God who continually makes all things new. This journey isn’t merely a tour—it’s an invitation to encounter the living God in the midst of life’s complexities and to be transformed by the enduring legacy of Saint Francis.
Heather Cetrangolo is an Anglican Minister and dedicated systems change consultant, who is completing her PhD in developing a Franciscan pedagogy for social change. She is the Founder and CEO of Systemic Renewal International, which equips change leaders with a methodology for rebuilding the shared mindset of systems.
Heather came to faith at a young age, in the midst of brokenness in her home and her church. At the age of twelve she stumbled across a chapter book telling the life story of Francis and was struck by Jesus’ call to him in 1205, “Francis, can’t you see my Church is in ruins? Rebuild my Church.” She began her journey to understanding how God renews what’s broken, and prayed that as an adult she might go the place where this story took place. Today she supports and trains Renewalists who rebuild broken systems from within, for the church and the world her PhD in developing a Franciscan pedagogy for social change. She is the Founder and CEO of
Systemic Renewal International, which equips change leaders with a methodology for rebuilding the shared mindset of systems.
In addition to her personal connection to the Franciscan movement and her spiritual home, Assisi, Heather has specialised in early Franciscan history and classifying the pedagogy of the early brothers and sisters for leading social change. She holds degrees in Law, Theology, Leadership Studies, Primary, Secondary and Higher Education.
With two decades of experience in youth and parish ministry, chaplaincy and community development, Heather has applied her skills in various challenging contexts, such as:
Strategising with international student support teams through escalating rates of suicide and mental health incidents;
Revitalising ministry in schools;
Leading faith-based communities recovering from abuse by past leaders;
Renewing congregations facing closure; and
Facilitating a legal support service for socially disadvantaged clients unable to access Legal Aid.
She invites you to join her on a journey to renewal and to discover how impossible change can happen.
ITINERARY
Hotel: Leonardo Milan City Centre
Included Meals:
Remainder of the day free for you to explore.
Hotel: Donatello, Florence
Included Meals:
Remainder of the day is free – maybe check out the Uffizi museum and its famous Renaissance artworks?
Hotel: Donatello, Florence
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
The afternoon will be spent at San Damiano where St Francis had a vision of Christ and the Portiuncula at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
The hermitage was established in the early 13th century by Saint Francis of Assisi and his followers. It is said that Francis, seeking solitude and communion with nature, would retreat to this secluded spot for prayer and contemplation. The name "Carceri" is derived from the Latin word "carcere," meaning "prison" or "jail," reflecting the secluded and confined nature of the site.
The Hermitage of Carceri consists of a series of small chapels, cells, and caves carved into the rocky cliffs of Mount Subasio. These humble structures served as the living quarters for Francis and his companions during their periods of retreat. The natural beauty of the surrounding forested landscape adds to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the hermitage.
Visitors to the Hermitage of Carceri can explore the various chapels and caves, some of which still bear traces of the Franciscan presence from centuries ago. The site is also known for its scenic hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside.
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
Gubbio is a delightful medieval town, its centre brimming with edifices of great historical and architectural importance such as Palazzo dei Consoli, Palazzo Pretorio and Palazzo del Capitolo dei Canonici. Another building worthy of visit is the Palazzo Ducale, now home to an excellent history museum and around which several attractive restaurants and bars are located. Città di Castello, one of Umbria's most visited tourist destinations, a place where ancient and contemporary art forms live side by side in perfect harmony. Start in Piazza Garibaldi with a visit to Palazzo Vitelli a Sant'Egidio, built in the mid-16th century and on to Palazzo Albizzini; historic edifice which is now home to some 130 works by the Citta di Castello-born artist, Alberto Burri (1915-1995). The impressive collection includes sculptures, paintings, and sketches for the designs of stage and film sets. Those interested in sacred art will enjoy a visit to the Duomo Museum, located next to the cathedral. Last, but not least, there is the Pinacoteca Comunale, which occupies a part of the prestigious Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera, and contains important renaissance masterpieces by Raphaele and Ghirlandaio.
Hotel: Hotel Castillo, Assisi
Included Meals:
Hotel: Monastery at La Verna
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Palatino, Rome
Included Meals:
Hotel: Hotel Palatino, Rome
Included Meals:
We will also explore the Catacombs today. The Christian catacombs, which are the most numerous, began in the second century and the excavating continued until the first half of the fifth.
Tonight we celebrate at a local restaurant for our Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Hotel Palatino, Rome
Included Meals:
Included Meals:
Highlights
- Free time to wander in Milan and Florence
- 8 amazing nights in Assisi with day trips
- A free day in Assisi to rest or have a training day on Spiritual Renewal with Heather
- End in Rome, the Eternal City
- Small, intimate group – only 10 -14 travellers
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Christian
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin share per person | Book by 30 May | $7389.00 | $9280.00 |
Pricing is based on a minimum of 10 passengers & maximum of 14 passengers. If we have more than 10 travellers, the pricing will decrease.
Bookings close Friday 21 June 2024.
