A message from our retreat leader

  St. Francis lived in 13th century Assisi (1182-1226); he lived in a world of profound transition (not unlike our own world) ,a radical transition from the power and wealth of landowners to an emerging wealthy merchant class. As young man, he had the dream of being a knight and certainly benefitted from his father’s wealth as a cloth merchant. He led a carefree youth, often as the life of the party. A series of circumstances led to a profound conversion in his life that produced incredible results-the reform and re-building of the Church and its mission, the growth and impact of his community of followers that to this day we know as Franciscans. His depth of love for God and all of creation has given the world a focus and direction that has shaped our view of God and the dignity and respect for others and nature in more profound ways in these past 800 years than perhaps any other movement in history.

About twenty years ago, when the Assisi Music Festival  became well known and established, Gregory Scime, the Director of the Festival  approached me and asked me to consider introducing a retreat component to the annual event. He reflected on the fact that Assisi is the city of St. Francis and that a spiritual dimension to the festival would be a welcomed addition. Since that time,I have directed a six-day retreat focusing on the spirituality of St. Francis as it relates to the contemporary world.There have been as many as 19 retreat participants in attendance  from young adults, to married couples and senior citizens.There have been members of other faith traditions who are always welcome as well as musicians in attendance at the retreat exercises when their schedules permit.

The retreat schedule includes the celebration of Mass each day at the many beautiful churches of Assisi including the Tomb of St. Francis, a daily  conference on a topic related to St.Francis and contemporary life, and nightly prayer at the conclusion of the evening concert. We also participate in a moving Candlelight Procession with the Assisi community at Santa Maria degli Angeli on Saturday evening.The schedule affords the participants the time to explore Assisi and to take part in several excursions including two days in Rome.

I am also available for Spiritual Direction and consultation.

For further information, please contact Gregory Scime, the director at assisifestival@yahoo.com or myself at msgrboc@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Monsignor Paul L. Bochicchio

For information:

Email: assisifestival @yahoo.com      

Tel: 908-217-6464

Soli Deo Gloria