In the Footsteps of St. Francis: A Virtual Alchemical Pilgrimage Through Italy October 4, 5 and 6, 2021 10 am - 12:30 PM PST All sessions recorded for later viewing as well
The ancient tradition of alchemy offers a map for how to move from a state of collapse and disintegration to union, healing and wholeness. No life is a better mirror of Alchemical Transformation than that of Saint Francis of Assisi. From his tumultuous youth as a failed knight to his radical renunciation of wealth and power to follow a path of simplicity and purity of heart, we will follow Francis's journey through Italy as we chart the evolution of this extraordinary human being . Francis is a saint for our times, calling us to become instruments of peace in harmony with all creation in awareness of the kinship of creation.
This four day online pilgrimage with Kayleen Asbo, Ph.D will weave together ritual, storytelling, art imagery through the centuries, stunning photography of the sacred sites associated with St Francis as well as spiritual practices of chanting, Lectio Divina, Visio Divina and small group sharing.
We meet each day for two hours, four days in a row. Provided are additional resources of readings, music, films , guided journaling questions and more spiritual practices for you to explore on your own if you wish to deepen the experience into a private intensive retreat.
October 30: Negredo: When Things Fall Apart Assisi and Perugia From St. Francis's birth and youth as a dissolute playboy to his imprisonment in Perugia and his failed quest to be a Knight - we culminate with the renunciation of his birthright in the town square by San Rufino
October 31: Albedo: Purification Through Dreams, Visions and Tears Marriage to Lady Poverty- Santa Maria del'Angeli- the leper's kiss- the Pope's dream- St Claire and San Damiano
November 1: Citrinitas: Seeing the Kinship of All the Earth Pilgrimage- The Wolf of Gubbio- the meeting with Sultan of Syria and Egypt- the Sermon to the Birds
November 2: Rubedo: Sacred Union and the Song of A New World Brother Jacoba and the Confraternities; the Laudario Cortona; The Wounds of Love at LaVerna; The Canticle of Creation
The Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen