A virtual pilgrimage: journeying with St Francis and St Clare of Assisi

‘When I was in sin, it seemed too bitter for me to see lepers. And the Lord himself led me among them and I showed mercy to them. And when I left them, what had seemed bitter to me was turned into sweetness of soul and body.’ - St Francis

Pilgrimage is part of our Christian heritage and provides a unique opportunity to engage with places and their people and stories in ways that are challenging, healing and transforming. Travelling in the steps of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi has enriched our own faith immeasurably. Central to both saints’ theology was that in all things they directed their gaze towards Jesus, always rejoicing in the goodness, generosity, creativity and abundance of God.

Covid-19 has put overseas pilgrimage plans on hold indefinitely, and we’ve been challenged to think instead about how we could replicate a pilgrimage experience for those not able to travel at this time or ever. October 3rd is the date Franciscans throughout the world come together to remember Francis’s death in 1226. We decided to offer a Virtual Franciscan Pilgrimage on this day so that through images, symbols, story and reflection, people could enjoy something of the Franciscan experience themselves. Seventy people from across New Zealand joined us, some reliving an actual Franciscan pilgrimage to Italy; some, Third Order members of the Society of St Francis; and others who knew little about Francis and Clare but were keen to learn more.

Archbishop Sir David Moxon shared deeply about the contemporary relevance of Francis and Clare as we grapple with 21st century life; Jenny Boyack introduced us to Assisi and spoke about Clare’s contribution to the Franciscan story; and John Hornblow planned and organised the day with wonderful support from a team of All Saints’ parishioners.

We began the day with Morning Prayer and ended with an inclusive Eucharist. This was a time to celebrate with Franciscans worldwide, Francis’ journey from death to life, and it was also an opportunity to admit Becky Demchick, Jenny Boyack and John Hornblow as Companions of the Society of St Francis.

In our own pilgrimage experiences we have been guided by three key questions:

1. What did God do in this place/through this person?

2. What is God doing in this place/through this person now?

3. What might God be saying to us or challenging us to do/be in response?

These questions provided a framework for the Virtual Pilgrimage and we hope they will continue to guide participants’ reflections. Some comments from our virtual pilgrims included:

I loved the connection between the times in which Francis and Clare lived and today’s world; spiritual depth will take time to reflect on; you made room for grace with personal wisdom shared; good link to current world situations; aroha was present in the kai, the teaching, the learning, the growing; loved the focus on Jesus and how Francis’s life and faith reflected this; liked the inclusion of song, prayer/reflection as well as input/teaching.

Francis and Clare do not provide us with a prescription for how our own Jesus walk should look. Their relevance after 800 years is a challenge to be open to God’s call in our place and time. In the last hours of his life Francis addressed his brothers, and still speaks to us today – ‘I have done what is mine; may Christ teach you what is yours.’

If you would like to experience something of this pilgrimage for yourself, the pilgrimage booklet and video recordings of the teaching sessions and worship will soon be available on www.pilgrimagenz.nz

By Jenny and John Hornblow