Young Friars participate in Study Pilgrimage in preparation for Solemn Profession

Rome, General Curia, 04 July 2016 - Eighteen young friars from the three branches of the Franciscan Family (OFM, OFMConv, OFMCap), have come to share a meal with the Brothers of the General Curia as they began their three-week retreat and pilgrimage in Rome, the Rieti Valley and Assisi. Coming from different places (USA, Canada, Costa Rica, Australia, Korea, Honduras and Mexico), they are part of the Franciscan Pilgrimage Program’s Study Pilgrimage for Solemn Profession. Some of them have recently professed solemnly while others are preparing to make Solemn Profession of vows in the near future. Our Minister General, Fr. Michael A. Perry, gave the group a large candle, a symbol of the unity of the Franciscan Family, saying that it is “a unity that is much desired especially in our time.” The Franciscan Pilgrimage Program is a ministry of the Franciscan Province of the Assumption of the BVM in the USA and is directed by Br. John Cella, OFM. During its 45 years of existence, it has guided more than 15,000 pilgrims to savor the spirituality of Franciscan places. [gallery link="file" ids="11087,11088,11089,11090,11091,11092"]