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Assisi Pilgrimage and Retreat

October 5 - October 13, 2026

with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89 and Chris Stefanick ’98

Registration live now Register Now

9 Day Pilgrimage

Join Chris Stefanick & Fr. Dave Pivonka on a pilgrimage and retreat to Assisi in 2026. As the Church marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, we will journey through the towns, monasteries, and sanctuaries that tell the story of his radical love for Christ and His Church. From Assisi to La Verna, Greccio, and beyond, we will walk in the very places where Francis prayed, preached, and received the Stigmata. Along the way, Chris Stefanick and Fr. Dave Pivonka will offer reflections to help us enter more deeply into the spirit of Francis and renew our own call to holiness. This pilgrimage will also include a Papal Audience with the first American Pope, making this journey not only a commemoration of the past but a celebration of the living Church today.

 

Pricing:

Pricing per person: Main Pilgrimage

Double Occupancy – $5,250
Single room – $6,200

Pricing per person: Rome post tour

Double Room – $1,250
Single Room – $1,649

Experience the holy sites of:

Assisi • Hermitage • San Damiano • Rivotorto • Basilica of St. Francis • Gubbio • La Verna Monastery • Greccio • Ancient Rome & the Catacombs • Baroque Rome • Papal Audience & Vatican Museums

October 5 - October 13, 2026

Assisi Pilgrimage and Retreat

Estimated Package Price

$6,200

Register Now

$450 deposit due at time of registration

$200 per person is non-refundable.

Enrollment Deadline: LIMITED CAPACITY - RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Itinerary for Assisi Pilgrimage and Retreat

Subject to change

1

Monday, October 5

Day 1

  • Departures from the USA, North America
2

Tuesday, October 6

Day 2

  • Arrival in Rome
3

Wednesday, October 7

Day 3

  • Papal Audience & Vatican Museums
4

Thursday, October 8

Day 4

  • Transfer to Assisi
5

Friday, October 9

Day 5

  • Assisi: Hermitage
  • San Damiano
  • Rivotorto & Basilica of St. Francis
6

Saturday, October 10

Day 6

  • Day trip to Gubbio
7

Sunday, October 11

Day 7

  • Day trip to La Verna Monastery
8

Monday, October 12

Day 8

  • Greccio & Return to Rome
9

Tuesday, October 13

Day 9

  • Return Home
10

Tuesday, October 13

Day 9 - Post tour of Rome

  • The Major Basilicas of Rome
11

Wednesday, October 14

Day 10 - Post tour of Rome

  • Ancient Rome & the Catacombs
12

Thursday, October 15

Day 11 - Post tour of Rome

  • Baroque Rome
13

Friday, October 16

Day 12 - Post tour of Rome

  • Return Home
Franciscan Univeristy has partnered with Canterbury Pilgrimages to journey with you on this pilgrimage.

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89

Spiritual Leader

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. Father Pivonka held leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including as vice president for Mission and Planning. For his province, he directed Post-Novitiate Formation (2008-2012) and Franciscan Pathways ministry (2012-2019). He has hosted multiple video series including The Wild Goose on the Holy Spirit, Sign of Contradiction on St. Francis of Assisi, Metanoia on conversion, and in 2024, 10th Hour Production’s My father’s Father on God the Father. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021) and his most recent, Joyful Sons and Daughters: Embracing the Father’s Love (Word Among Us, 2024). Father Pivonka also hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and the In Person, In Focus, and the My father's Father series on Faith and Reason.

Chris Stefanick ’98

Chris Stefanick is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and television host who has devoted his life to sharing the love of Jesus, and helping others do the same. His live seminars, TV, radio, and video ministry have reached millions, and his educational initiatives are turning the tide in the Church. He authored a confirmation prep program that’s been used by over a million people, the popular SEARCH program and most recently released another bestseller, Living Joy. Chris is a recipient of the Papal Benemerenti (Benny-ma-ren-tee) Medal which was previously given by the pope for Military valor, but today it is given for achievement in ministry. A graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Chris is also the founder and president of Real Life Catholic, a non-profit organization that makes his initiatives for renewal a reality. Above all, he’s proud to be husband to Natalie and father to their six children, and five grandchildren!

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Why should you go on a Catholic pilgrimage?

Our lives can become very busy. That busyness can overwhelm us, and often times, we need to intentionally set aside time to quiet our hearts and turn our attention to God.

On a Catholic pilgrimage, you will not only experience a silence and atmosphere helpful for prayer, but you will travel in community, guided by spiritual leaders and supported by fellow pilgrims.

We invite you to join the Franciscan University community as we embark on a pilgrimage of faith!

Questions? Contact us!

740-284-5847

pilgrimages@franciscan.edu

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