FSA 2025 Pilgrimage - FRANCISCAN SCHOOLS AUSTRALIA

Welcome, Pilgrims of Hope

Embarking on a Franciscan Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi is a journey of hope, fraternity, and profound spiritual discovery. FSA pilgrims are invited to encounter sacred places, not merely as tourists, but as seekers – open to grace, transformation, and deeper communion with God – and with each other. Among the ancient stones of Rome and the peaceful hills of Assisi, it is our Hope that your hearts will be stirred by stories of simplicity, courage, and divine love. This pilgrimage offers space to reflect, to be renewed in hope, and to rediscover the self as seen through the eyes of Faith. Through shared prayer, quiet contemplation, and the joyful companionship of fellow pilgrims, we aim to grow in fraternity and spiritual clarity. Each step, each moment of silence or song, should ideally become part of a sacred unfolding – a path inward, outward, and upward, toward the light of Christ revealed by following in the very footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare.

Best practice for a truly enriching Pilgrimage…

Reflect deeply.
Move beyond observation to contemplation. Allow the meaning of each place to touch your heart, awaken your hunger for God, and reveal new insights about your own life and calling. Let the spiritual energy of Assisi lead you into mystery and transformation.

Go as a pilgrim, not a tourist.
Be open and receptive to the grace present in each sacred place. Let yourself be changed by what you experience and remain attentive to the call to holiness that may arise as you walk in the footsteps of the saints.

Engage the imagination.
Step into the events that happened in these places as if you were there. Use drama, prayer, story, ritual, and even leisure to connect with the lives of Francis and Clare in a way that makes their experience personal and present.

Pilgrims’ Companion Booklet 2025

In this Jubilee Year you are a pilgrim of hope, walking in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi with other pilgrims.

Pilgrims’ Companion Booklet

Your daily program as it stands. You will find prayers, rituals and assigned readings in the program. There are over 90 pages. FSA has not printed hard copies for everyone. Please print your own hard copy if you require it. Pilgrimage is always fluid as we respond to the needs of the group and sites. Your Leaders will keep you up to date.

Pilgrims’ Study Book
‘In the Footsteps of Francis & Clare’ by Roch Niemier OFM

A Volume of Marvellous readings that relate to particular Pilgrims’ places

Fr. Roch Niemier, OFM, devoted his life to sharing the spirit and story of St. Francis and St. Clare. Born in South Bend, Indiana in 1939, he entered the Order of Friars Minor in 1956, made Solemn Profession in 1961, and was ordained a priest in 1965. Over the course of his ministry, Fr. Roch formed generations of friars and guided countless seekers through retreats and spiritual direction.
For nearly 35 years, he served as Director of the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, leading pilgrims to the sacred
landscapes of Assisi and Rome. Through this work, he helped thousands encounter the living heart of Franciscan spirituality.
In recognition of his profound influence, Saint Bonaventure University awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane
Letters in 2004.
Fr. Roch was also well known to his fraternal brothers in Australia. Through frequent writing, storytelling and accompaniment he shared his
love of Saint Francis with them during his life.

Our intended use of this study book is dedicated to Fr. Roch’s legacy
which continues to guide Franciscan pilgrims with joy, humility, and deep love for the holy places.
This book, no longer available in print, has been made available in this digital form to be used on pilgrimage.

FSA gratefully acknowledges Roch’s work.