Student Franciscan Pilgrims: Day Ten

Well, the pilgrims are almost done with their journey. At least this part of the journey. They will continue the journey internally for a long, long time. This is a time when the pieces of the mosaic that is Assisi come together. The pilgrims will go to the Basilica of St. Francis. This is a two tier church on the side of the mountain. It originally included papal apartments. It is a place of grandeur. The frescoes are vibrant. Pilgrims are everywhere.


Virtual Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

As they walk to the lower church they will past the tomb of Lady Jacobi, a close friend, a secular, a supporter of all things Franciscan. When they get near the tomb of Francis they will enter an area with gates. Inside the gated area people approach the tomb with candles. This is a place of quiet, of prayer. Francis lived a life of poverty. He would not feel comfortable in this building. Yet, it seems fitting that he is so honored, that the city and the Church make sure this simple follower of Christ is not forgotten.


Basilica of St Francis of Assisi

The pieces of the mosaic come together. San Damiano is where it all started, where Francis heard the call from the cross. It is where Clare lived and Francis and popes visited. It is where Francis body was carried for Clare to say her goodbyes.



The Porzuincla is where Francis lived. It was his home and it is where he died. It was the last chapter of the Canticle of Creatures.



Finally, Basilica is where Francis body rests and where pilgrims come to honor him. At the other end of Assisi lies Clare. These two are the anchors of this holy city. Tomorrow the pilgrims will visit La Verna and then have their final evening in Assisi. Today they celebrate their final Eucharist in the cradle of Francis and Clare. Today the pilgrims do their dance. It is a dance of celebrating one another and the pilgrimage and a dance of quiet, reflection and goodbyes.