St. Coletta’s staff members embark on pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome

Two dedicated staff members of St. Coletta’s of Illinois, Gigi Fernando and Gladys Ramirez, recently embarked on a profound pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome with the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. This transformative journey provided them with a deeper understanding of Franciscan values, which guide them in their daily service at St. Coletta’s.

Selected through a competitive application process, Fernando and Ramirez joined 31 other pilgrims from ministries sponsored by the Sisters to visit sacred sites that shaped the life and mission of St. Francis of Assisi. They explored his birthplace, the church where he founded the Franciscan order, the caves where he lived and prayed, and the church where the Lord spoke to him from a crucifix. They even saw the cell where St. Francis died.

“It felt like we had traveled back in time,” said Fernando, St. Coletta’s Chief Financial Officer. “It felt like St. Francis and St. Clare had just been there.”

The 10-day pilgrimage began Feb. 15 and was led by Sr. Joanne Schatzlein, OSF, and Fr. Jim Gannon. Together, they visited the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare, immersing themselves in prayer and reflection. A particularly moving experience was participating in a peace prayer at Fortress Rocca Maggiore and renewing their baptismal vows at the Cathedral of San Rufino.

Another highlight of the pilgrimage was a healing ritual at San Damiano, the sacred place where St. Clare built her community and died. They also visited the remains of a hospital where St. Francis cared for lepers, deepening their understanding of Franciscan service to the marginalized.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the pilgrimage was the visit to La Verna, the sacred mountain where St. Francis prayed, slept and received the Stigmata.

“La Verna was especially beautiful and one of the highlights of the pilgrimage,” said Ramirez, St. Coletta’s HR Director. “As we walked to the chapel where St. Francis received the Stigmata, listening to the friars sing and pray, I felt at peace.”

“Watching the friars chant in unison during their daily procession was particularly meaningful,” added Fernando. “It was a privilege to witness and participate in such a sacred ritual, a tradition that has been carried on for centuries.”

The journey was both educational and deeply meaningful, giving Fernando and Ramirez a greater appreciation of how St. Coletta’s remains connected to the legacy of St. Francis.

A Legacy of Franciscan Service

Founded in 1949 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Coletta’s of Illinois has been a vital source of education, residential care and vocational training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Sisters remain involved today, providing leadership and guidance to ensure the organization stays true to its mission of compassionate care and service.

The pilgrimage, which the Sisters offer annually, serves as a time of spiritual renewal and reflection, inspiring leaders to carry forward Franciscan values in their daily work.

As in past years, this year’s pilgrimage concluded in Rome, where the group visited St. Peter’s Basilica. Although they were unable to receive a blessing from Pope Francis, who had fallen ill a week before their journey, they found deep inspiration in exploring this historic and spiritual landmark.

Reflecting on the experience, Ramirez shared:

“This pilgrimage strengthened my connection to my faith and reaffirmed the mission of St. Coletta’s. It was a reminder of the values that inspire the work we do every day.”

Fernando agreed, adding:

“It gave me a greater understanding of St. Coletta’s roots in Franciscan tradition and deepened my appreciation for our mission.”

St. Coletta’s of Illinois remains committed to fostering spiritual growth and reinforcing the Franciscan values of service, compassion and faith. The organization is proud to have leaders like Fernando and Ramirez, whose strengthened faith and renewed commitment will continue to enrich the lives of those they serve.