Headteacher Mrs Hogg's Pilgrimage to Assisi: A Journey of Faith and Educational Leadership

Our Headteacher, Mrs Hogg, participated in a transformative pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy in March 2024, as part of a unique professional development initiative organised by the educational charity EducareM.

In March 2025, Mrs Hogg joined a diverse cohort of 25 Catholic educational leaders from primary and secondary schools across England on a transformative pilgrimage to Assisi.

The five-day programme was expertly guided by Sister Judith Russi SSMN, Director of EducareM, and Canon Jonathan Vesey, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The pilgrimage was uniquely positioned within the Vatican's Jubilee Year of Hope, providing participants with a powerful framework for connecting historical spiritual pedagogy with contemporary educational challenges.

Mrs Hogg's pilgrimage took her through some of the most spiritually significant sites in Assisi, each offering profound insights into the lives of St Francis and St Clare:

The Homes of Francis and Clare

Walking through the actual homes where these great saints lived provided a tangible connection to their humble beginnings and the radical choices they made to follow Christ in poverty and service.

Chiesa Nuova (The New Church)

Built over the birthplace and childhood home of St Francis, this church stands as a testament to the saint's origins in a wealthy merchant family and his dramatic conversion to a life of simplicity and devotion.

 

La Cattedrale di San Rufino (Cathedral of San Rufino)

This magnificent cathedral is where both St Francis and St Clare were baptised. Standing in this ancient space, Mrs Hogg could reflect on how these two individuals, baptised in the same font, would go on to transform Christian spirituality and establish religious orders that continue to serve the Church today.

Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of St Clare)

This beautiful basilica houses the tomb of St Clare and contains the original San Damiano crucifix that spoke to St Francis, commanding him to "rebuild my church." The visit offered profound insights into St Clare's courage, faith, and her establishment of the Poor Clares.

 

 

Basilica di San Francesco (Basilica of St Francis)

One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity, this stunning two-level basilica contains some of the most precious frescoes in Christian art, including Giotto's famous cycle depicting the life of St Francis. The upper and lower churches provided space for contemplation and prayer.

The Tomb of St Francis

Descending to the crypt to pray at the tomb of St Francis himself was undoubtedly one of the most moving moments of the pilgrimage, offering an opportunity for deep personal prayer and reflection on the saint's enduring legacy. Mrs Hogg was there on her birthday and that was the day we all celebrated Mass at the tomb of St Francis.

The Tomb of St Clare

Visiting St Clare's final resting place allowed Mrs Hogg to honour this remarkable woman who, inspired by St Francis, founded an order of contemplative nuns and lived a life of radical poverty and devotion.

The Tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis

A particularly meaningful visit for a school leader, the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis – the young "millennial saint" who died at just 15 years old – demonstrates how holiness is possible in the modern age. Carlo's use of technology to spread the faith and his devotion to the Eucharist offers a powerful example for today's young people.

 

Santa Maria degli Angeli (St Mary of the Angels)

This grand basilica was built to enclose the tiny Porziuncola chapel, where St Francis lived, established his order, and where he died. The contrast between the humble chapel and the magnificent basilica surrounding it speaks powerfully about how small acts of faithfulness can have enormous impact.

San Damiano

Perhaps one of the most intimate and moving sites, this small church and monastery is where St Francis heard Christ speak to him from the crucifix, where St Clare and her sisters lived in poverty and prayer, and where St Francis composed his beautiful Canticle of the Creatures. The peaceful atmosphere of San Damiano invites deep contemplation and prayer.

 

Following this pilgrimage, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a "Special Year of St Francis" to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, which extends until January 2027, offers the faithful the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence and is considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal. The jubilee was inaugurated on 10th January with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See.

Until 10th January next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions — sacramental confession, Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Pope — by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St Francis anywhere in the world.

Bringing Franciscan Spirituality to BTHCC

The insights and inspiration gained from walking in the footsteps of these great saints will undoubtedly enrich our school community. Our BTHCC family looks forward to bringing the life of St Francis into our spiritual life and prayer.

 

In the coming months, we will explore ways to:

• Deepen our prayer life by incorporating Franciscan prayers and the beautiful Canticle of the Creatures into our school liturgies and assemblies
• Embrace care for creation by reflecting on St Francis's love for all of God's creation and considering how we can be better stewards of our environment
• Practice simplicity and gratitude by learning from Francis's radical choice to live simply and joyfully
• Serve others with joy by following Francis's example of serving the poor and marginalised with compassion and dignity
• Build peace by embodying Francis's commitment to peace and reconciliation in our relationships with one another

Mrs Hogg will be sharing more about her experiences in assemblies and through our school's spiritual life programme, helping our entire community to encounter the transformative witness of St Francis and St Clare.

An Invitation to Our Community

As we celebrate this Franciscan Jubilee Year, we encourage members of our school community who are able to consider making their own pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or place dedicated to St Francis. This special year of grace offers a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and deeper connection to our Catholic faith.