FMDM Ireland on Assisi Pilgrimage

On 13-20 October 2018, eleven Sisters from FMDM Ireland accompanied by Patricia, set off from Ireland – on a pilgrimage to Assisi. They visited the various sacred sites which included the Basilica of St Francis, San Rufino (the church where Francis and Clare were baptised), Portiuncula, San Damiano, the Carceri. All of them returned to Ireland filled with gratitude and a deeper appreciation of the gift of our Franciscan spirit. Although tired, it was a journey well spent and age is definitely not an issue.
The inscription on wall of choir in San Damiano: “Not a voice but a desire – not clamour but love – not instruments but hearts singing in the ears of God” recalls the essence of prayer and the spirit of the pilgrimage for our sisters.

Group photo at the entrance of the Carceri - mountain which St Francis frequented to pray
St Francis often returned here during his life to pray and contemplate. The word Carceri is from the Latin carceres and means "isolated places".
Sculpture of St Francis overlooking the Spoleto Valley. It was in San Damiano that Francis wrote the Canticle of Creatures
Panoramic view of Assisi. And peace pervades everywhere!
SAN DAMIANO. It was at the place that St Clare faced the Saracens!