Along with daily meditation at our Center
​We take gentle walks to sacred sites meditating on the spiritual beauty of each place.

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Todays diary by Liam Murphy Retreat Leader

September 8th, 2024

​​Our morning pilgrimage today took us to the Camino della Luce where we walked mindfully to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Right inside the center of this magnificent church stands the humble Porziuncola, the birth place of the Franciscans.

This special little chapel with the land around it was given to Francis by the Benedictines as his “little portion.” Here Francis and his first companions gathered. Here Clare, escaping her home under cover of darkness, joined Francis, who cut her beautiful hair as a sign of her commitment to “the things that truly matter,” and of her membership among the companions.

Here the companions met and prayed and slept in huts and went out to serve the poor and to preach God’s love and here they returned.
And here, finally, Francis’ brothers carried him, feeble, tired and worn, from San Damiano so that he could die in his beloved Porziuncola. As he once did at the Bishop’s residence, so here Francis stripped himself and died naked on the ground, left only with the One who truly matters, totally united with his Love.

On retreat our faithful practice of Heartfulness, Meditation, Contemplation puts us in touch with our true nature. It enables us to let to go of all that doesn’t matter and to go beyond the surface and deep down into the heart of Love.

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Todays diary by Liam Murphy Retreat Leader

September 9, 2024
​Our afternoon pilgrimage took us to San Damiano. What a special place!
Francis prayed in this chapel (and in other chapels dotted along the landscape) many times. His simple prayer: “Who are you, Lord? And who am I?”
It was from the cross in San Damiano chapel that Francis heard Christ speak to him, “Francis, go rebuild my church, which as you can see, is falling down.”
Francis was overjoyed to discover his mission.
Taking Christ’s words literally, he began to rebuild the chapel which was in need of repair.
~~Francis heard Christ speak after much quiet and letting go. Do I spend time in quiet and stillness, so that, with time, a deeper voice can speak in me—a voice beyond the surface and beyond the noise of the world? This is my True Self, which is one with my Source and Center and connects me to all things.
Here I find my true identity and my true meaning and purpose.

And here, at San Damiano, Francis came to spend his final days when he knew his body would soon give way.
He was blind and in much pain from procedures that produced no relief but only brought more suffering. And so, what did Francis do with all this pain?

He cried out in prayer, let it all go into the hands of his Christ. 
And then…from the silence he composed:
“Most high, all powerful, sweet Lord,
yours is the praise, the glory,
and the honor and every blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creatures,
and first for Brother Sun, who makes the day bright and luminous.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
he is the image of you, Most High.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister moon and stars, in the sky you have made them brilliant and precious and beautiful. . .”

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More sacred places waiting for us to meditate in

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Birth Place of St Francis

San Damiano Chapel and Olive Trees

This small chapel was an animal stall in the time of St Francis and where he was born, is a reminder for all of us that in simplicity truth is born. Visiting the birthplace of Francis, and sitting in the simple peace of the place, is a beautiful way to begin our journey to experiencing the spirit of St. Francis.

​10 minute walk

The Chapel of San Damiano is where Francis felt his calling to serve with humility and an open heart. It eventually became the Cloister for St Clare.  It is nestled among the ancient olive trees (seen here).  The cross spoke to him here.  It was later moved  to Saint Clare's Cathedral,  where it hangs to this day.

​25 minute walk ~ Taxi back for those who wish

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Mountain Hermitage of St Francis ~ Eremo delle Carceri

The Tomb of St Francis

The Eremo is a treasure! There are hiking trails behind the Eremo, including grottoes of some of Francis’ companions.
While wandering these trails, we meditate in the exact spot where the brothers sat centuries ago.  Listening to the birds and nature,  the presence of St. Francis is palpably felt. 

​Walk to Eremo delle Carcere 1.5 hours or Taxi for those who wish 15 minutes.

Francis did not want a large basilica built for him. He insisted, “I am but a small worm for God”. But the church built him one anyway.  He is buried  here with most of his brothers.  The great gentle holiness, of this kind saint, can be felt here. 

20 minute walk 

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The Sacred Forest 

Walk to the Eremo ~ Hermitage of St Francis

Walk through Sacred Forest to Sorella Natura Chapel. Taxi provided for return.

​25 minutes

Walk to Eremo delle Carcere 1.5 hours or we provide a group Taxi as part of the retreat.