From August 25 to September 5, 2025, four friars of the Foederatio Europae Mediae et Orientalis (FEMO) took part in a spiritual retreat in the form of a walking pilgrimage following in the footsteps of St. Francis. The retreat was organized by the General Secretariat for Formation. The four friars were members of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow) and the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw).
Their journey began with a train and bus trip from Rome to Arezzo, Italy. From there, the friars went on foot to the Sanctuary of Mount La Verna and continued on to their final destination, Assisi. They hiked a total distance of about 200 km. [124 mi.]. Along the way, they stopped at hermitages and cities linked to the life and work of St. Francis.
The fraternity that they all experienced was a blessing. They supported one another, faced difficulties together, embraced simple living conditions, joined in common prayer, and shared the Word of God.
The participants thank the Superiors of the FEMO Federation for their openness in supporting this unique kind of retreat. They also thank the Seraphicum community in Rome, and the friars of the Sacred Convent in Assisi, for their hospitality, fraternal welcome, and assistance. The participants trust that the hardships they endured on the journey will lead to spiritual growth that will bear fruit in their daily lives and ministry.
Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK
