Walking the Way of St Francis of Assisi in the mountains of Italy
What a journey! Tough, high, steep, long and at times, simply beautiful. This pilgrimage had it all for me. Digging deep mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically were all facets of this amazing 400kms, 25 days of pilgrimage. My friends, Peter and Betty Ann Kamp and I walked the Way of St Francis of Assisi in mountains of Italy.
From the beginning of this pilgrimage, I was invited to reflect deeply on my inner journey, as well as that of the trail. The landscape of the land, being ploughed for the receiving of seed and plant, called me to reflect on my own inner landscape. What am I being prepared to receive? Passing acres and acres of sunflowers, having shown their glory, now hanging their heads ready for harvest. What has already died in me to make way for God’s renewing harvest within? As we mapped our way over mountains and through valleys, I mapped my inner journey. Pure gift. The track itself was challenging. Very hard, very steep – with large stones to negotiate on steep inclines and declines. It really demanded resilience and tenacity. Thank goodness our strength and fitness supported us.
Gubbio was a place where St Francis tamed the wolf. It was an invitation to reflect on the wolves in my life, how do I befriend them? At this time, seven days in, I was feeling very tired emotionally and physically. Flies had been buzzing around and it was very difficult to deal to them, with poles in each hand. We met very few pilgrims along the way, as many had chosen the summer to walk. Times of walking alone, of chatting together, of supporting one another when the going got tough – all characterized the days of the jo urney. I gained a greater appreciation of the journeys of St Francis of Assisi as we visited many of his Sanctuaries and caves where he spent time in prayer. May this pilgrimage gift me with deeper daily awareness, a greater self-knowledge and space for the Journey to continually unfold the hope of Mission. May this pilgrimage gift me with deeper daily awareness and gratitude.
Anne Sklenars, rndm
