The Rev. Douglas Beck, rector of St. Francis by the Sea in Blue Hill, invites you to embark on a spiritual journey through Italy, immersing yourself in the sacred sites and timeless beauty of Assisi, Orvieto, and Rome, on a pilgrimage to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death, Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Beck, carefully and personally curated this pilgrimage, which offers a rich blend of prayer, history, and artistic splendor for discerning travelers seeking both spiritual renewal and cultural enrichment.
Participants will find peace in the serenity of Assisi as they walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare. On the way to Rome, you’ll stop in Orvieto, home to the Eucharistic miracle of Corpus Christi. Then, marvel at the grandeur of Rome and Vatican City, where you’ll witness the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel, explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums, and walk through the history of Christian Rome. The group will celebrate the Eucharist together in several locations, allowing ample time for prayer, reflection, and sharing. Of special note will be the ecumenical relationships demonstrated in sharing and liturgies celebrated at the Church of St. Leonard’s, Assisi’s local English-speaking Episcopal church, St. Paul within the Walls, the first non-Roman Catholic church, nineteenth-century Episcopal-Anglican built within the Roman city walls, and perhaps visit to The Anglican Centre in Rome, promoting ecumenical dialogue and unity between Episcopalians/Anglicans and Roman Catholics since 1966. Learn more here.
