On Saturday, March 30, the formators who had already arrived at Casaletto spent the day at Assisi, a hill town in central Italy’s Umbria region. It is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226).  After a three-hour ride from Casaletto, they reached the town of Assisi at10 a.m., and first took a tour of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, a Papal Basilica situated in the plain at the foot of the hill of Assisi.

The next visit was to the Basilica of St. Francis, a massive, 2-level church, consecrated in 1253. Its 13th-century frescoes portraying the life of St. Francis are an attraction for pilgrims and tourists. Its crypt houses the tomb of St. Francis.

Walking through the streets of Assisi, the group visited the home of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Claire.  In this Basilica, pilgrims can venerate the mortal remains of St. Clare, on display in the crypt, see various relics of Clare and Francis, and pray silently in front of the Crucifix, using the Saint’s very words.

The group also visited Eremo delle Carceri.  Francis composed The Canticle of the Creatures, known also as The Canticle of Brother Sun, during the spring of 1225, when he was ill in San Damiano.

On Sunday, March 31, the group visited St. Peter’s Basilica, The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Colosseum.

(Communication Commission)