NEW YORK — Twelve Holy Name friars, led by F. Edward Coughlin, OFM, and Thomas Hartle, OFM, will travel to Italy next week for a pilgrimage to renew Franciscan spirit and vocation.
The May 20 through 31 trip, coordinated by the HNP Ongoing Formation Committee of which Edward is chair and Thomas is a member, will include visits to Rome, Greccio, Assisi, LaVerna and Bagnoregio.
Quiet time, prayer and opportunities for discussion at key Franciscan places are offered and “provide the context for a renewal of one’s inner spirit as well as a deepening on one’s sense of call and commitment to live the Gospel as lesser brothers in our Province, Church and world,” wrote Edward in an invitation for the pilgrimage.
Many Holy Name ministries and Franciscan organizations offer pilgrimages for lay and religious alike. Some upcoming travel opportunities are listed below. To see if space is available or for additional information, check the website of the host organization.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: June 15-25
Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, will lead roughly 15 individuals through the streets of Bethlehem and Jerusalem in the footsteps of Jesus. In coordination with the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, this trip aims to help pilgrims “discover the presence of the risen Christ in the midst of the present struggle for justice, peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.”
Oberammergau: July 31 – Aug. 8
This year marks the 41st presentation of the life of Christ by survivors of the Black Plague in Oberammergau, Germany. The seven-hour production includes a meal served during intermission. The days leading up to the Passion play include visits to other significant and holy German cities.
Jubilee Trip to Ireland: Sept. 3-15
This pilgrimage, organized by St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish in Hartford, Conn., and led by Michael Jones, OFM, and Patricia Curtis, will begin in Dublin — “one of the liveliest capitals in Europe.” The following days include travel to Bru Na Boinne Centre, designed to present the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley. The visit also includes time at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Mercy International Center, Blarney Castle, Celtic Crystal and other sites. It ends with a medieval banquet at Bunratty or Knappogue Castle. This pilgrimage is being held to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Hartford parish.
Pilgrimage to Assisi: Sept. 13-22
Louis Canino, OFM, and Liam Stapleton of St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C., will lead a pilgrimage to Italy allowing participants to experience the homeland of St. Francis and the art and architecture of Assisi, Pisa, Florence and Venice and join in the special prayer services and meditations that will “make this the trip of a life time.” Cost is $2,995.00 per person. Call 336-573-3751 for more trip details.
A variety of other Franciscan-themed pilgrimages can be found on the website of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs.