OCTOBER 26-NOVEMBER 1, 2008
"Above all, be lovers of your souls." Clare of Assisi
This pilgrimage will focus on the teachings and life of Clare of Assisi. It will also include teachings from my new book on Sacred Companionship. We will learn about Clare and Francis and their most beautiful and extraordinary relationship, which was based on the spirit of sacred love. We will learn how we can incorporate this same love into our daily living with our various companions, whether intimate, friends, or healing connections. We have many companions on this earth.
We have the great honor to gather and meditate in a very sacred space right in Assisi, which is dedicated to all the world religions and contemplation. We also have exclusive use of a converted monastery, where we will all be staying. It is also right in Assisi and has a lovely little terrace that looks out over the valley. Very picturesque in the misty mornings. I feel blessed that I can offer these places to you.
Our Itinerary will include visits to:
- San Damiano: Where Clare lived and began the Community of Women, who eventually came to be known as the Poor Clare's.
We will participate in early morning prayers and chants.
We will visit Clare's private chapel, and where she slept, ate, and sang in the choir.
We will look out the windows onto Mt.Subasio and down on the courtyard where she spent much time. As a lover of flowers she spent much time cultivating little gardens within the monastery. We will look out onto the garden where she had a hut built for Francis and cared for him in his last days and where he composed the prayer, "Brother Sun, Sister Moon." We will wander through the olive groves in the grounds and breathe in Clare's serenity and pureness of heart that still lives on at San Damiano. So sweet and gentle.
- Portiuncula: Where Clare came to meet and join Francis and the brothers at the age of eighteen, without her family's knowledge or consent. This is also where Clare and Francis met to "picnic" together, and were overcome by the Fire of the Holy Spirit, lighting up the whole region with flames of love. A legend that is still told in Assisi today. The Portiuncula is the original church that Francis built, and where he gathered with the first brothers. Their presence is still felt in the stones of the walls.
- The Basilica of Clare: This is run by, and housed with, enclosed Clare nuns. We will visit in the early morning and hear their angelic voices as they sing, and pray, and read in a small chapel. The original cross that "spoke" to Francis, telling him to "rebuild my church," hangs in the chapel that we will visit. A potent and sacred symbol of "listening with awe, and humbly obeying."
We will also see the garments that Clare and Francis wore and other items of Clare's. They emitt a spiritually regal energy.
- The Hermitage: This is where Clare was housed for a short time before going to San Damiano. It was also where Francis and the brothers would roam on the hillside and meditate in their own private caves. We will visit these caves, and will also sit in nature, allowing the sacredness and the sheer aliveness of joy to enter our souls.
We will visit a sacred outdoor chapel dedicated to the Mother and meditate in love, before, and with her.
- The Tomb of St.Francis: One of the most powerful places on this earth. We will allow the spiritual light of Francis' bones to penetrate our prayers and very souls as we meditate in this very special place.
- The Chapel of Mary Magdelene and other chapels housed within the Basilica of St.Francis.
Time will be given to allow you to freely roam amongst three floors of famous frescoes and art of unknown delights!
- Mt.Subasio: Known as a sacred mountain since ancient times. We will visit and walk and pray and sing - just as the early Franciscan's did. Many blessings can enter an open soul here!
To Secure Your Place:
Deposit of $600
Balance of Payment due end of July
PRICE INCLUDES:
Single Person Accomodation with private bathroom
Breakfast and Dinner
Local Transportation
Use of Meditation Center for World Religions and Contemplation
Retreat Tuition
COST PER PERSON, SINGLE ROOM ACCOMODATION: $1495.00 approx. (will depend on the Euro/Dollar conversion at the time of travel).
COST PER PERSON, DOUBLE ACCOMODATION:
(Sharing a room) $1395.00 approx. (will depend on the Euro/Dollar conversion at the time of travel).
As you see, in Italy, to share a room does not give one a big discount.
EXTRA COSTS:
Airline Ticket (I can give help in finding the cheaper rates)
Lunches (An extra $20 approx. for the week. Can buy delicious "big sandwiches" or pizza for $3-5).
Travel insurance if desired
Bus or taxi to and from Assisi train station to hotel (Bus = $1.50 approx. or Taxi = $12-15 approx.) Bus is very easy!
I would recommend flying into Italy ahead of time, perhaps taking in the sights of Florence, Siena, or Rome. This will allow for time adjustment and a "settling" into the Italian rhythm before the retreat. There are many reasonably priced monasteries to stay at in the above cities.
"Above all, be lovers of your souls." Clare of Assisi
