Discovering the heart of Franciscan heritage on pilgrimage

Br. Mike Ward, OFM, didn’t grasp the power of pilgrimage until its meaning struck him with surprising force, right in the timeworn Portiuncula, outside Assisi, France.  

As he stood for the first time in the little chapel where the Franciscan Order was born, a fellow pilgrim and priest turned to him, delivering the heartfelt message that would forever transform his journey and sense of belonging: “Welcome home.” 

Br. Mike, an otherwise stoic man, was moved to tears. 

“It triggered my sense of who I was as a person and a Franciscan,” he said. “You can’t experience a place from watching a DVD. And it wouldn’t be the same if I were there alone.” 

As 2026 unfolds, those yearning to deepen their spirituality and embrace fresh resolutions might consider embarking on a pilgrimage of their own.  

More than simply traveling to hallowed destinations, a pilgrimage fuses purpose with place, blending contemplation and community. A Franciscan pilgrimage is a window for reflection, a journey with others who share the Franciscan spirit, regardless of their background. 

More than a trip for tourists 

Br. John Cella, OFM, directs Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, a sponsored ministry of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He, Br. Mike, and Sr. Nancy Celaschi, OSF, are among those who manage scheduling, activities, lodging and transportation for pilgrims.  

These trips focus on Franciscan spirituality and are not intended as general tours, he said. Gathering T-shirts and trinkets is not what a Franciscan pilgrimage is all about. 

Nor do these trips focus on Italy’s architectural wonders or contemporary pop culture. Rather, you’ll visit important locations connected to Saints Clare and Francis, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and a richer understanding of Franciscan heritage and spirituality. 

And therein lies an opportunity to make the historic and sacred also personal.  

Pilgrims see sites like the Cathedral of San Rufino, where Clare and Francis were baptized. They are emboldened to reflect on their own baptisms and consider how it might have been for Francis. Both saints and pilgrims share this common beginning. At other points, guides inquire about pilgrims’ spiritual origins, as they explore the physical beginnings of prominent Franciscans historically. 

“I’m not big on just going to see a bunch of things,” Br. John said. “I want to know what is important to them, and how it can be important to us in our own era. Everyone wants to make it their own. Br. Mike knows the spirituality of space. Mine is the spirituality of people. We got to meet the people of Assisi, whose ancestors were there when Francis was there. 

“Buildings are just buildings. It's the people who make up what is important.” 

A return to the Holy Land 

In addition to pilgrimages to Italy, Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs also provides trips to Spain and Ireland. Pilgrimages to the Holy Land are expected to resume in 2026, after a pause due to safety concerns in Gaza. These journeys also have significant ties to Franciscan spirituality.  

Each pilgrimage is led by a member of the Franciscan family – friars, Poor Clares, sisters, Secular Franciscans, deacons, laypeople, married and single people. 

“When we come together, we have Franciscan charism,” said Br. John. “It’s a collaborative effort, and we’re proud of that.” 

Typically, 20 to 30 participants each gather for about 40 pilgrimages annually. (One group was only 10 last year, another, 70).  

Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs works with individuals as well as organizations who want to introduce their constituents to the Franciscan charism. They have led pilgrimages for everyone from high school and college students to veterans. 

“We want each pilgrimage to be an immersive experience, something that touches their hearts and souls,” said Br. John, who notes the organization sees increased participation annually. “We want to maintain the simplicity of Francis and Clare.” 

For more information or to schedule a pilgrimage of your own, visit FranciscanPilgrimages.com.