Franciscan Sisters & Brothers Go On Pilgrimage

November 19, 2002

Sisters and Brothers in formation with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist led by Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother General, Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Vicar General, and Sister Barbara Johnson, Director of Formation, made a 12-day pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome earlier this month. They visited the holy places of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi, Mt. La Verna, Greccio and Fonte Columbo and then traveled to Rome to visit the Vatican and other sacred sites.

The group attended the papal general audience where they were seated in the second row and then were called up to the stage to have their picture taken with Pope John Paul II. Two days later they received word that they were invited to a private Mass with the Holy Father for the feast of the Dedication of John Lateran Basilica and were to prepare the hymns and the readings. The highlight of the pilgrimage was this Mass in the Holy Father's chapel and the opportunity to greet the Holy Father and receive his blessing. Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother General, introduced each pilgrim to him. Lastly, the Pope blessed Mother Rosemae for the entire Community. See story.