Walking For Peace

In September of 2005, on the afternoon of my ordination in Assisi, Italy, I started a walk for peace from Assisi to Rome, a distance of about 100 miles. It was quite a life changing experience that 65 of us shared as we walked in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. He had undertaken the same walk 800 years before in order to see the Pope. We too saw the Pope. We’re not quite sure if the Pope saw us.

Our walk was lead by James Twyman, known as the Peace Troubadour. The Torch of Peace and Hope had been passed to him for us to carry on our walk. Its flame represented the Truth present in all of us.

I can see us now, gathered together in the courtyard of St. Francis’ Cathedral, with Hotel Sabasio, where we had stayed, right behind us. The torch was lit, a section of the mile long Cloth of Many Colors was unfurled for some of us to carry, and we listened to the words of encouragement from James to start us on our 10 day pilgrimage through the beautiful small towns of Italy.

James was telling us that we were now instruments of peace. We would be walking with our hearts open, walking our prayers for peace into the earth. We were called to be Ministers of Peace. Our loving, peace-filled energy would ripple out to affect the entire world.

Then James led us in our Office of Peace which we said every day. This Office is made up of the 12 prayers from 12 major religions which originated in the Peace Conclave that had been called by the Pope in 1986 to seek out the sameness in the religions not the differences. (You can read them on the Peace Bracelet page.)

At the very end of this starting ceremony one of the walkers stepped forward to read our intention, our inner mission which we all had composed. It went like this: “We are Peace Walking. We will search for truth and balance. We understand with our infinite hope, creativity and integrity that we are love and compassion in the world. We are celebrating a unity for all, a state of grace, joy and perpetual peace. And so it is.”

Two by two and one by one, we turned and left the courtyard, waving to all as we walked. We mingled with the people on the narrow streets some of which were only large enough for one small vehicle to pass at a time.

Onward we walked, literally, over hill and dale, hiking in and out of villages and mini towns only stopping for lunch and whenever nature called. Somehow it seemed easy. Sure we got tired but never crabby. It’s pretty hard to be crabby and peaceful at the same time.

One day we had been erroneously routed on a highway. By detouring around the major road we added a few miles. I think that day we walked 18 to 20 miles. You just keep going. You really have to because your luggage is at the ending point of the day so you must reach the pre-chosen ending point. We only carried a day pack with water, snacks, tissues and little plastic bags for the used tissue, and whatever else we chose to carry for the day. Oh yes, a poncho to keep us a little dry in the rain.

One day, as we were passing a row of houses, a young boy ran outside waving and yelling, “Ciao, pace bene.” (Loosely translates to “Hello, good peace to you”.) You know he went to school the next day telling all his friends that he had seen the Peace Walkers.

The story had spread. People in cars honked and waved. Women leaned out windows to call their encouragement and yell “Pace” (pah’-chay) - Peace.

Each night we stayed at a different hotel. Each was beautiful in its own rite. Each had its own personality and charm.

I think the 10th day when we arrived in Rome we were practically trotting we were so excited. My heart sounded to me like a big base drum proudly beating in my chest. I was sure everyone could hear it. If there was any doubt of my feelings all you had to do was to look at my face. It was the same look all of the walkers were wearing. Our faces said, “We have walked. We believe in peace for you and me. We have arrived. It was all worth it – every minute and every penny.”

Would I do it again you ask? Today I know the true answer is YES! I have already signed up for the next Walk for Peace which will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the World Peace Conclave to be held October 27, 2011 in Beloved Assisi, at the very same cathedral.

A new page has been created for updates so you can follow along with the excitement of the preparations. This walk will be 187 km from LaVerna to Assisi.

More information to follow so keep tuned in.