To commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the middle schoolers at Sacred Heart Academy in Winchester made a daylong pilgrimage to the Franciscan Monastery in Washington Oct. 20.
The students spent the day on a guided tour. They explored the monastery’s artwork and architecture.
“I loved how our priest, Father Nicholas (Blank), offered Mass for us in the main church,” eighth grader Nixon McCormac said. “I also liked how the Hail Mary was written in different languages from around the world.”
“I felt God was there, showing me how I can live the life of St. Francis,” sixth grader Ashley McConnell said.
The pilgrimage brought to life what the students previously studied about St. Francis, the Holy Land and the monastic tradition.
“The Franciscan Jubilee is a wonderful grace that our Holy Father gave to us, and visiting the monastery allowed us to study St. Francis’ example of gratitude and humility,” said Teresa Koch, middle school religion and history teacher. “Seeing the excitement and eagerness of the students and parents as they found beautiful and historical art that they had studied was inspiring and beautiful.”
