An 8-stage spiritual itinerary designed to be experienced independently by individuals, families or groups.
STAGES OF THE SPITIRUAL JOURNEY:
1) Brothers and Disciples of Jesus - The Tomb of Saint Anthony: we begin our journey by drawing near to Saint Anthony, a friar who loved and walked with Francis of Assisi on their common road of Christian discipleship. To them we entrust our prayers, that the desire to follow in the footprints of the Lord Jesus may be rekindled within us.
2) Virgin Made Church - Chapel of Blessed Luke Belludi: in the central painting, we see Francis of Assisi, Saint Anthony and other Franciscan saints gathered around Mary and the Child Jesus. Francis often referred to Mary as the Virgin Made Church, because for him she is the model for every Christian who responds faithfully to God’s grace.
3) The Word of God - Chapel of Saint Jospeh: in this chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph, we remember how he never speaks a word in Scripture – yet his entire life was shaped by the Word of God: heard, received, and obeyed. Here in this chapel, a passage from the Word of God is entrusted to all who enter. Like Francis of Assisi, who had a profound love and deep reverence for God’s Word, keep it forever close to your heart.
4) Breathing the Spirit of the Lord - Chapel of Saint Francis: Relic of Saint Francis. Among the scenes depicted in this chapel, one portrays Francis of Assisi handing a note to Saint Anthony. In it, Francis grants Anthony permission to teach Sacred Theology provided that the spirit of holy prayer and devotion would never be extinguished within him. Anthony lived this advice with every breath of his life.
5) Finding Mercy - Hall of Confessions: the Pardon of Assisi, celebrated each year on August 2, is the forerunner of every Jubilee Year. These sacred times invite us to be transformed by the grace of the Lord’s mercy. For this reason, we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation with trust as we seek to better know and do God’s will.
6) Becoming Thanksgiving - Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament: Francis of Assisi had a profound love for the Eucharist. Like him, you may wish to remain for a time before the Blessed Sacrament, offering thanks to the Lord for the grace and mercy received and for His call into His presence.
7) Brothers and Sisters All - Chapel of Saint Clare: Saint Clare was among the first to be drawn into the spiritual experience of Francis of Assisi. In the fresco on the right, the lifeless body of the Poverello is brought before Clare and the Poor Sisters, surrounded by fellow friars. Francis’ witness gave rise to countless stories of holiness, all woven together in the same Gospel spirit.
8) Blessing of St. Francis - Magnolia Cloister: at the Reception Office you can receive the certificate with your name and the Blessing of Saint Francis
[Click here for the brochure with the complete itinerary]
PLENARY INDULGENCE
From the Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary:
«His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Minister of our faith and our joy, establishes that, from January 10, 2026, to coincide with the closing of the Ordinary Jubilee, until 10 January 2027, a special Year of St. Francis may be proclaimed, in which every Christian faithful, following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.
For a more perfect attainment of its intended purposes, the Apostolic Penitentiary, through the present Decree issued in conformity with the will of the Supreme Pontiff, on the occasion of the Year of St. Francis, grants the Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), which can also be applied in the form of suffrage for the souls in Purgatory».
Download decree - https://www.ofmconv.net/img/galerie/2026/01-14-uc-papa-decreto/Decreto-Indulgenza_EN.pdf