To be a pilgrim of hope is to walk with trust in the promises of God, even when we do not know exactly where the journey will lead. Hope is not passive; it is active, dynamic, and deeply rooted in faith. As Franciscans—particularly as Secular Franciscans—we are invited to journey not only toward God, but also with others, sharing the hope that sustains us with those who most need it.
Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi were, in many ways, archetypal pilgrims. Their lives were marked by movement—not just physical, but spiritual. Francis’ own conversion story was a journey: from wealth to poverty, from self-ambition to radical discipleship. He famously left behind the comfort and stability of his father’s house to embrace “Lady Poverty” and the uncertainty of the road. Clare, though she remained in the monastery of San Damiano for most of her life, underwent a profound interior pilgrimage—daily conforming her heart more deeply to Christ.
The Franciscan sources emphasize this pilgrim nature. In The Earlier Rule, Francis writes: “Let the brothers be… as pilgrims and strangers in this world, serving the Lord in poverty and humility” (ER, Ch. VI). This idea of being a “pilgrim and stranger” calls us to travel lightly, not clinging to possessions, expectations, or even our own plans. It reminds us that our true homeland is in heaven and that every step we take here is part of a larger journey toward union with God.
Clare, too, embodied this pilgrim spirit. Though enclosed within her convent, her heart was always moving toward Christ. In her letters to St. Agnes of Prague, she writes, “Gaze upon Him, consider Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him.” This spiritual movement is no less significant than the physical travel Francis undertook. Clare’s hope was unwavering, even when ill, even when facing threats from outside forces. Her journey was one of steadfast trust in God’s presence and fidelity.
This vision of life as pilgrimage is also echoed in the Rule and General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order. While the word “pilgrimage” is not used explicitly, its spirit is ever present. Rule 7 calls us to “radical interior change” and to conform our thoughts and deeds to Christ. This lifelong process of conversion is a spiritual pilgrimage in itself. Rule 12 reminds us that we are “witnesses to the good yet to come,” which reflects a pilgrim people journeying toward the fullness of God’s Kingdom.
The Constitutions (Art. 8.2) call Secular Franciscans to “go forth” as instruments of mission—another image of pilgrimage, not just inward, but outward and communal. Our vocation is never static; it sends us forth into the world, always moving, always growing, always encountering.
In declaring 2024–2025 as a Year of Hope, Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on this theological virtue that “does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). In his vision, hope is more than optimism; it is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Pope calls us to be beacons of hope in a world often discouraged by war, environmental crisis, and growing divisions. It is a timely call—one that echoes deeply within the Franciscan charism.
So how are we, as Secular Franciscans, to respond? How can we be pilgrims of hope in a world that feels weary and anxious?
First, we must renew our sense of journey. Too often, modern life tempts us to settle into comfort, routine, or spiritual complacency. But Francis and Clare teach us that faith is a journey that requires courage, discomfort, and detachment. Are we open to where God is leading us—even if it means stepping into the unknown?
Second, we must cultivate a spirituality of presence. Pilgrimage is not just about the destination; it’s about being awake to the present moment. Francis found God in nature, in the poor, in lepers, and even in moments of rejection. Clare found Him in contemplation and Eucharistic adoration. As Franciscans today, we can bring hope by simply being present—really present—with others in their pain and joys.
Third, our pilgrimage must be communal. Francis and Clare did not journey alone. They built fraternities—communities rooted in Gospel values and mutual care. As Secular Franciscans, our Rule calls us to live this fraternity in the world. Can we be sources of hope to our local fraternities, parishes, and families by fostering peace, forgiveness, and solidarity?
Ask yourself:
- Where is God calling you to walk with greater trust?
- How can your life be a sign of hope to someone in your daily circles?
- In what ways can you model the simplicity and joy of Francis and Clare?
To be a pilgrim of hope today means embracing life as a sacred journey, trusting in God’s guidance, and witnessing joy even amid trial. It is to walk forward, even when the road is unclear, because we believe that Christ walks with us.
In the words of our late Pope Francis:
“Hope is bold, it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile.”
Francis of Assisi embraced this bold hope when he kissed the leper. Clare embraced it when she defied her noble status to live in poverty. Today, we embrace it when we choose love over fear, generosity over self-interest, and faith over despair.
May we, like our Seraphic Father Francis and our holy sister Clare, walk this earth as humble pilgrims—our eyes fixed on Christ, our hearts open to the world, and our steps grounded in the hope that does not disappoint.
Reflection Questions
Take a few moments to quietly ponder or share your thoughts in a group:
- Where in your life are you being called to walk more courageously in hope?
- Who around you is in need of the hope that you can offer today?
- What comforts or habits might God be inviting you to release, so you can walk more freely as a pilgrim?
- How can your fraternity grow in becoming a community of hope in the spirit of Francis and Clare?
- How do you understand pilgrimage today—not just physically, but spiritually and communally?
Anthony Saliba OFS
National Formator
