A Unique experience.....

The heart of Pastoral Reflections institute is the weekly teachings flowing from the Sunday readings in the lectionary of the Roman Catholic Church, a lectionary used by many other Christian denominations.  In order to go deeper into the themes found in these scriptures, the institute offers weekend workshops, retreats, publications, and CDs as well as this pilgrimage experience.

The goal of the pilgrimage is to give not only teachings in lecture form daily but also the experience of visiting three sacred places which enhance ones understanding of the spirituality of our faith tradition. Pilgrimages have a long history as an exercise that enriches the faith of those who participate in them. This pilgrimage is designed to enhance, expand, and foster the pilgrims understanding of the Christian faith.

The pilgrims stays at a traditional 19th century farmhouse in the hills of Tuscany with room for eight guests.  Daily liturgy and conferences are offered by Msgr Don Fischer, a Catholic priest, who has served for over 43 years in the Diocese of Dallas. Each day there is generous time for reading, reflection, and spiritual teaching.  There are day trips to three very important pilgrimage sites: Orvieto, Assisi, and La Verna.  Also fine Italian cuisine and wines are served at the farmhouse and also enjoyed at local restaurants.

The daily schedule of the pilgrimage is designed to create an experience that awakens the pilgrims  to be more attentive to the world of the Spirit.   We are by nature spiritual beings. We live in a world alive with God's Spirit. A world alive with angels, the supportive presence of those who are here with us and those who have gone before us, a world alive with beauty. When we are aware and attentive to the reality of this spiritual world, we are filled with a spiritual presence that resonates from our hearts, bringing healing, hope, and peace to those around us. The goal of the pilgrimage is to become that spiritual resonance, building on the teachings found on the Pastoral Reflections radio broadcasts.