A visit to Assisi is a unique experience. On the one hand it stands as a city frozen in time, yet on the other it is alive with pilgrims and tourists. For many Europeans San Francesco, or Saint Francis, is a household name, someone you learned about in school who had the unifying presence among Catholics and Protestants. Americans may have a different perspective. The fourth most populous city in the United States and the queer capital of the world is named after him.

So when you bring together clergy from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond, who are ministers in Metropolitan Community Church, you can expect something uniquely different. Assisi may be small, but a pilgrimage there can be as arduous as any pilgrim trail. A fellow pilgrim commented “Assisi feels like it is entirely uphill, both ways.” It is also crammed with traditional pilgrims venerating the relics and reflecting on the frescos and art in a multitude of basilicas, churches and chapels most of which have a claim to part of Francesco’s life.

Both Rev. Dr Axel Schwaigert and Sister Marietta OSF are seasoned retreat leaders in Assisi and have led two retreats specific to MCC. They open up the world of St. Francis and St. Clare in both a historical and inclusively spiritual way. There are planned tours, times of personal reflection but probably most empowering a daily group sharing with our MCC sojourners. There is space for diverse spirituality, but you have to claim it. Like a vast smorgasbord, you have to take from it what your soul needs. Be prepared to be exhausted physically, spiritually and emotionally, but that is why it is a retreat, to take time for personal wellbeing. Pace yourself and believe me your retreat companions will look after you.

I strongly recommend not doing this as a stand alone. Take a few days in Rome or Florence to process and experience a different dimension of spiritual tourism. TIP: MCC clergy laminate and take your clergy card, it will get you into most places with a discount or no charge. Having a church issued ID is required.

I waited my entire ministry career to do this. I am glad I did but wish that opportunity was available to me years ago. It will put your own faith in perspective.

– Rev. Paul Whiting