It is tradition that at every General Chapter a pilgrimage of thanksgiving is made to Assisi for the action of the Holy Spirit as did Mary of the Passion and our first sisters after the General Chapter of 1890. Today, October 8, at 7:00 am three buses with the Chapter members and the sisters at the service of the Chapter, take route for Assisi under a  blue Umbrian sky. 

En route, while admiring the beautiful scenery of Umbria, we pray Lauds and under the rising sun contemplate nature in silence. Near 10:00 we arrive in Assisi. 

The sisters of the communities of Assisi, joyfully gather to welcome Sr. Sue and the new councilors as well as their large entourage. Embraces, congratulations, greetings are exchanged and we proceed to the dining area where the sisters have prepared refreshments  for the travelers. Then it’s off to the Portiuncula! 

At 11:30 am, in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, with Franciscan joy, we regroup to prepare for the Eucharistic celebration in front of  the Portiuncula, presided by Fr. Tony, sss, who facilitated the election process. 

Our sisters of Assisi, with much love and attention, have prepared a lovely meal for us, and at 1:45pm, those who wish, have a guided tour in three language groups: Sr. Celine Monteiro guides the English group, Sr. Mercedes Nunez, the Spanish group and Sr. Teresa Cachot, the French group. Others are free to visit Assisi by themselves, to pray, to rest… The buses pick the groups up at the Basilica of St. Francis at 5.45 pm and we enjoy a cold supper back at the convent.