The Way of Francis is an itinerary that links many places that relate to the life and preaching of the Saint Francis of Assisi. It spreads from La Verna, Florence and Rimini in the North of Italy to Rome in the South. This pilgrimage way brings you to landscapes that gladdened Francis’ heart; and to locations that preserve the memory of his presence. Along the way you may also meet many people that relate themselves to the Saint.
Saint Francis was born in the town of Assisi in the area of Umbria, at the heart of present-day Italy. Umbria is still the land of Francis, nourished by a spirit of respect and gratitude for creation and of generous acceptance of others, whoever they may be.
Retrace this route. May it suggest to the mind and heart of the wayfarer within you the chance of leading daily life in full harmony with the world!
a. For Students: If you Want to Learn More
Walking The Way of Francis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU3vCEoPMdA
Pilgrimages around the world https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/pilgrimage/353628
Assisi for families and kids https://mamalovesitaly.com/assisi-with-kids/
The race of Ceri (Festa dei Ceri) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBS90yBOxZE&t=233s&ab_channel=GiampaoloPauselli
Gubbio’s Festa dei Ceri https://www.italia.it/en/umbria/things-to-do/festival-of-the-ceri- gubbio
b. Visual Sources
Search for ‘Saint Francis’, ‘Assisi’, ‘La Verna Italy’ or try other relevant keywords https://artsandculture.google.com/play
In ‘Search the List’, type ‘Assisi’. In ‘States Parties’, type ‘Italy’. Press ‘Search’ https://whc.unesco.org/en/interactive-map/
Images of the La Verna area https://bit.ly/3UPnxmS
The La Verna Sanctuary https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Via_Ghibellina,_Chiusi_della_Verna,_Santuario_della_Verna_02.jpg
The Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio https://www.umbriatourism.it/en/-/the-festa-dei-ceri-in-gubbio
The Canticle of the Creatures manuscript https://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3ACantico_delle_Creature.djvu&page=1
c. Other Sources
La Verna Sanctuary website https://www.laverna.it/en
St. Francis of Assisi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi
All about walking or cycling the St. Francis way https://www.viadifrancesco.it/en/
The Way of Francis https://www.stfrancispilgrimages.com/the-way-of-st-francis.html
Views of the St. Francis pilgrimage route https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrwHrv3D1pY&t=36s&ab_channel=Winewalkers
Assisi, Italy - Legacy of St. Francis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pk_a5U2QuU
Play with a Europe interactive map https://www.eslgamesplus.com/interactive-europe-map-for-kids/
More play with maps https://mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/
