Pilgrims Gather in Tuscany to Mark St. Francis' Stigmata

High in the Casentino Valley, Father Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General of the Franciscan Friars Minor and the 121st successor of St. Francis of Assisi, blessed the world with relics of the blood from the stigmata of St. Francis. Pilgrims from across the globe gathered at La Verna in Tuscany to commemorate 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata at this very location in 1224.

Brother Matteo Brena, Secretary for the Eighth Centenary of Saint Francis' Stigmata, explains the significance: “For the Franciscan family, and indeed for the whole world, the experience of the stigmata has great significance. It is about suffering, which finds meaning in looking at the cross.”

La Verna’s natural beauty was crucial to St. Francis’ spiritual encounter. He deeply meditated on Christ’s Passion while contemplating the cracks in the mountain. “The Gospel tells us that when Christ dies on the cross, nature participates in this death. The sky is darkened, the earth is shaken by violent earthquakes. So this tradition that was thought applied to this mountain. Francis knew it, so he frequented this very mountain,” Brother Matteo shares.

As Brother Matteo continues, he highlights, “Meditating on the mystery of the cross, immersing himself in these splits, Francis receives the stigmata, an important moment of his existence.”

Father Massimo Fusarelli notes the dual significance: “The stigmata are both a culmination and a new beginning for St. Francis.”

This year’s anniversary celebrations were filled with vigils, prayers, and a pilgrimage that retraced St. Francis’ steps, reflecting on the wounds that brought Francis closer to Christ. Pilgrims who came from around the world found inspiration in this sacred event.

The Stigmata as a Source of Healing and Strength

Raul, a pilgrim from Mexico, shares his personal experience: "It is wonderful to be here today, the opportunity to live such a significant event. Each day I woke up with strength to keep going despite my wounds. I received much more than I expected."

A newlywed couple from Ohio, Marilyn and Peter Salibi, also made the pilgrimage to La Verna. They reveal the deep spiritual connection that led them to celebrate their union with this sacred journey. “We came here for our honeymoon because Saint Francis has been a huge part of our life,” they share.

Peter adds, “My last name, Salibi, means 'of the cross' in Arabic, which makes this pilgrimage even more special for us, especially after Marilyn took my name in marriage.”

Marilyn reflects, “When I wanted to be a sister, I asked the Lord that my title could be ‘of the cross.’ That was the one thing I wanted. And then I met him when I wasn't called to religious life, and his last name means ‘of the cross.’ We're here for healing of our families, healing of ourselves, and a holy marriage, and healing of my face.”

Peter explains further, “The week of our wedding, she developed Bell’s palsy on the right side of her face. So we’re praying for healing.”

The couple chose to walk barefoot to offer their discomfort as a prayer, mirroring St. Francis’ sacrifices.

Brother Matteo reflects, “Every man or woman who suffers, when looking at the crucifix through the example of St. Francis, can find the possibility of a new meaning and a new life. Not because the wounds are erased, but because the wounds acquire a new meaning and give a new capacity to love.”

As pilgrims walk the same paths once taken by St. Francis, they are reminded that suffering is more than just a burden. For Francis, the stigmata symbolized not only pain but a deep, transformative connection with Christ’s love. After receiving the stigmata, St. Francis, the first documented saint to bear these wounds, composed his "Canticle of the Creatures" while contemplating the natural beauty of La Verna.

The 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ stigmata is a powerful reminder of the connection between suffering, healing, and spiritual renewal—where the faithful are invited to find deeper meaning in their own lives through the example of this beloved saint.

Adapted by Jacob Stein