Join Bishop Doug on a 2025 Pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy

Who: Anyone from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, and beyond!
When: April 29 - May 9, 2025
Where: Assisi, Italy – Staying at a convent of Franciscan sisters in Assisi
Why: Explore, learn, & spend quiet time with God in a holy place with fellow Episcopalians
How much: ~$3,200 (Based on double occupancy, includes 3 meals daily and transport to/from Rome FCO airport on arrival/departure days. Airfare is separate.)

Request registration link

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Risen Christ!

Earlier this year, in mid April, I was given a gift that, at the time, didn't seem like a gift but just another excursion on my schedule.

On Saturday, 13 April, I flew from South Bend to Atlanta and then to Rome, landing early Sunday morning. Getting through customs was relatively easy and then I trained into Rome from the airport, making my way to St. Paul's Within the Walls Episcopal Church. Bishop Mark Edington welcomed me for two nights, hoping to get adjusted to the new time zone before making my way by train to Assisi on Tuesday.

I boarded the train to Assisi just after 12 noon on Tuesday. I had to transfer trains in Foligno and then arrived in Assisi just after 3 p.m. I took a taxi to the convent where the Shalem Institute pilgrims were staying for the next 11 days. I was welcomed by one of the sisters. Our first group meeting was at 4 p.m. where we introduced ourselves to our fellow pilgrims and guides, Margaret Benefiel and Chuck McCorkle. We then walked first to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and then to the Basilica of St. Clare of Assisi as a way of orienting us to the Village of Assisi. We then had a delicious dinner at 7:30 p.m. and then I made my way to my room for the night.

Each day began with an optional simple presence at 7:30 a.m. immediately followed by breakfast at 8 a.m. which always included yogurt, breads, some kind of protein, coffee and tea. Every day but Sunday then began with our Contemplative Practice and then information about the site(s) we would be visiting that day. Most days, we walked but there were several site(s) that required a van or bus. Our midday meal was at 12:45 which was a three course offering. Some afternoons, we met after lunch in our pilgrim circles, to focus on a directed question for reflection for about an hour. The rest of the afternoon was our own free time to walk, rest, pray all around Assisi. I was most delighted by these afternoons of prayer and silence, making my way to the Basilica of St. Francis for the afternoon or the Basilica of St. Clare or the Chapel of San Damiano. Several afternoons, I went for tea and a cannoli and just enjoyed the peace and beauty of Assisi. On Sunday, I made my way along with about 10 others to St. Leonard's Anglican Church for worship. What a delight to gather with other Anglicans / Episcopalians for a Service of Holy Communion. As pilgrims, we always had the option of dining out for the evening meal. We only needed to let the sisters know ahead of time. We also had the option of going to the Basilica of St. Clare for sung vespers at 5:30 p.m. which was also a prayerful time for me.

My time on pilgrimage in Assisi, learning about Francis and Clare, was an unexpected gift that I had hoped for all of my life and I look forward to joining other pilgrims in the spring of 2025.

I look forward to walking and praying in the holy places in Assisi with you!

Bishop Doug
(he, him, his)

What exactly is pilgrimage? Pilgrimage begins when a person first experiences a longing to step away from the everyday, to travel, and to experience the sacredness of both the journey and the destination. It ends only when/if the precious memories and learnings are forgotten. Pilgrims prepare for, travel, and receive experiences differently than tourists, listening for and experiencing the Holy along the way.

What will we be doing? Following in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, Bishop Doug and the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana invite you to join us on an 11-day journey to the beautiful city of Assisi, led by the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Our days will be spent exploring the spiritual homes of Saints Francis and Clare, while nurturing our own relationship with God along the way. Unlike a tourist’s itinerary, our days will be divided between prayer time, learning and exploring time, and contemplative time (which can be used for any of our favorite contemplative practices).

Why this opportunity? (From Missioner Michelle Walker) I first experienced a Shalem Pilgrimage in 2018 on a journey to the holy island of Iona. I can attest that it was a truly life-altering experience for me. Without the need to rush from location to location and take in every possible adventure, I was able to truly sink into the experience of my destination and the holy people who were there before me. The time spent exploring contemplative practices ignited a desire for more time with God that continues to grow within me. Therefore, when Bishop Doug and I began talking about a Diocesan pilgrimage a few years ago, I couldn’t help but explore the Assisi Pilgrimage they offer. In reaching out to Shalem, they were delighted to partner with us. Bishop Doug will experience this pilgrimage April 16-24, 2024 to discern how our Episcopal practices can be incorporated alongside their well-established activities in this sacred place. Watch our EDNIN social media for his discoveries along the way.

What else do I need to know right now?

Complete the Assisi Pilgrimage Interest Form.
Registration and down payments will be taken in August 2024, coordinated by Shalem.
At that time, the price will be firm. It is expected to near $3,200, excluding airfare.
Space is limited to 24 people.
This year's trip details can be found here.
Questions may be directed to Missioner Michelle.
A terrific book to read about pilgrimage is The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred by Phil Cousineau.