Weavings is a monthly reflection that is the collective effort of the Wheaton Franciscan Covenant Companions and Sisters to provide spiritual nourishment that helps us feel God’s presence in daily living and invite an openness to God.
Pilgrimage To Assisi
Written by Sister Alice Drewek
Life is full of wonders and surprises, both big and small. One such experience that occurred for me was when Sr. Margaret Grempka texted me with the message: “Are you planning on participating in the pilgrimage? If not, I think you should!” She was referring to the Franciscan Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome for Associates and Covenant Companions that was scheduled for September 2025. There were openings for a couple more sisters. I thought about this possibility for a minute or so and decided that because I had been on several of these pilgrimages I would let someone else fill those spots. However, her second sentence, “I think you should!” had me reconsidering. That led to a “yes” response from me.
The most prayerful, meaningful, and enjoyable part of this pilgrimage for me is the time we spent in Assisi. The town is not just another stop on a sightseeing tour but a stop that calls me to come and rest a while, to just be and soak up the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare that is so very tangible there. And because I have pilgrimed there many times, I find that my encounter with Francis and Clare has changed over the years. I speak and write less and listen more; I don’t take as many pictures with my iPhone, but I imprint upon my memory the natural and artistic beauty of what I see; I walk side by side with the other pilgrims in the group but also welcome times to be by myself.
I have several favorite places in Assisi. San Damiano is one of them. In the small chapel where the crucifix spoke to St. Francis, the very stones that hold it up vibrate with the possibility of change and transformation as well as permanence. The land that surrounds it reveals the simple beauty of olive groves, pine trees, and sunsets that outshine any material thing that I could possess.
Another favorite is the small chapel in the basilica of Santa Chiara where the San Damiano Cross is displayed. On the wall to the left of the cross is a beautiful mosaic of St. Clare standing with her mantle open wide to encircle her sisters. It mirrors to me the singleness of purpose of their way of life, as well as Clare’s unfailing love and tender care for her sisters.
Lastly, I find the tomb of St. Francis to be a special place. It is very plain, modest and unadorned. Just a stone enclosure that holds his body. It reflects how he lived his life of poverty and has me pondering on what my needs are versus what do I want in my life. I sit in front of his tomb with no thoughts, no prayers, no requests. Well, maybe one request: “What is mine to do at this time in my life?” Then I walk away with a greater awareness, mindfulness and attention to the people around me, and to the experiences that come my way. May I be ready to respond with my whole heart now as St. Francis and St. Clare did so many years ago.