2026 St. Francis Pilgrimage

On Friday, October 2, the Nativity community continued its tradition of participating in a special devotion with a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco. The pilgrimage took place just two days before the October 4 Feast of St. Francis, offering students a meaningful opportunity to honor the beloved saint and deepen their faith.

The journey began with students and faculty walking from campus to the shrine, making rest stops along the way before arriving in time for noon Mass. After Mass, the community enjoyed lunch from San Francisco’s iconic Tony’s Pizza at Washington Square Park before returning to campus by bus.

Pilgrimages have been an important part of the Christian tradition since the earliest centuries of the Church. More than an ordinary journey, a pilgrimage offers an opportunity to encounter God, grow in faith, and seek His grace and blessings. By undertaking this walk together, Nativity students were invited to reflect on Christ’s suffering during His journey to Calvary and to unite their own efforts and sacrifices more closely with Him.