Friar Sightings Map

     
The Friar Sightings map shows the projected 300-mile walking path from Roanoke, Va., to Washington, D.C. Follow the friar icon to see where they stop along the way. Our pilgrims appreciate your prayers! They expect to reach their destination the week of July 27.

Comments

[Nancy Lipscomb]

My family and I were vacationing in Shanandoa National Park where we had the privilage of meeting 5 of the brothers. We are from Palm Beach Florida and seeing them and talking with them was the highlight of our trip. It was so wonderful to see these young men so full of faith, it gives us all great hope that they are our future leaders. If you looked into their eyes you can see the love and hope they bring to the world who so desperately need it. If they do not remember us we are the 3 who asked to take pictues with them. God Bless You !

[Mary Williams]

Saturday July 25
The friars left my house this morning for Arlington, and since we were heading to Shenandoah National Park for the night, decided to stop by Chateau O'Brien and see Debbie, and let her know how far the travelers had gone since she saw them on Sunday. I bought a bottle of her wine and told her how much they appreciated everything she did for them. We also thanked the manager at Skyland Lodge food service for taking care of them, too.
I really look forward to seeing the friars again on Wednesday at the Monastery in D.C.
Mary Williams

[Emma and Siobhan]

Dear Brothers,

It was so nice meeting you last Saturday after Mass at St. John's in Front Royal. We were very happy to greet you on your journey. How hard it must be on your pilgrimage to DC. But God is with you and with His help you will be safe. May God bless you in all your needs. Good luck, we will keep you in our prayers.

Love,
Emma & Siobhan

[Mason Student]

7/23-7/24 Fairfax, VA

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day." Mt 6:34

The friars have been living this to the full. They are traveling without planning ahead. As I understand it, the friars were not originally planning to stop in Fairfax. But that is where God led them. On Thursday, July 23 the friars stopped at St. Leo Catholic Church. There through a series of events sent by Divine Providence the friars met some students from Catholic Campus Ministry at George Mason University. CCM happened to be having an event that night for college students with a topic focused on vocations and invited the friars. They were not planning to stay in Fairfax, but God decided to send pouring rain and thunder, so the friars decided they had nowhere better to go. Fr. Ed, and Brothers Cliff, Josh, and Richard went to Noodles and Co. with the students for dinner and then joined them at the chapel for the gathering. There were about 40 students there who eagerly listened as the friars shared their journeys to their vocations and stories of their current journey. It was a great evening and when the friars finally took their leave they invited the students to join them for the 9am Mass the next morning at St. Leo. They said that they would have a little time to hang out afterward and talk more.

God bless you all brothers for the wonderful Gospel witness you offered to us by your very lives! You are truly living your father Francis's request to "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." Hope to see you when you reach your destination next week, a group of us students are planning to come down to meet you.

The friars where last spotted joyfully walking down rt. 29 toward Vienna...

[Mary Williams]

We were fortunate to have crossed paths with these wonderful men of God. They were walking down a busy road in Fairfax VA on Thursday July 23 when my children and I were driving by. I grew up next to St. Leonard's in Centerville OH (a Franciscan seminary), so I recognized the robes. Had to stop and talk to them, and bought them all lunch. They came to our house for dinner and sleep on last night, and we enjoyed their amazing and humorous stories of their travels. Today they'll walk to Arlington (about 10 miles away). I'll never forget them or their stories.
Best wishes to Father Ed, and Brothers Richard, Josh and Clifford.

Mary, Pete, Jacob, Matthew and Abby

[Mike Nestor]

The Friars arrived in Browntown on Thursday the 17th and we took them to our place for some rest. We really enjoyed having them with us and getting to know them. They are a good group of young Friars who are answering God's call to religious life. It was especially fun talking to Fr. Mark, who went to Duns Scotus College and grew up in Dayton, the same town we grew up in. We were blessed to do evening prayer together and had good dinner discussions with them on political philosophy, religion and the impact it does or does not have on the body politic.
God Bless You All.
Mike, Chris, Tim and Jeremy

[Carol (Soehner) Neiheisel]

My family and I have been praying for a blessed and safe journey for my brother, Mark, and the novices. We wish him a Happy Birthday on his journey (July 21st) and may God bless him with many, many more. My children are amazed at this journey of faith and look forward to the tales their Uncle Mark will be able to share with them when he returns. God bless you and those you come into contact with!

[Tom]

I had the pleasure of meeting the four good friars on the campus of Christendom College in Front Royal, Va., on Friday evening, July 17. Br. Joshua, Br. Clifford, Br. Roger, Br. Richard, I will keep you all in my prayers; thank you for keeping me in yours. May God bless the the rest of your pilgrimage!

[Saskia Holzer]

I am happy to report that the friars are real. This was in reponse to a question I was asked on Sunday by someone who had seen them walking.
We had the pleasure of meeting the friars Saturday night at the Wyatts' house, then transporting them to Blessed Sacrament Church before sending them on their way on the AT. But not before giving them a hearty brunch and a bit of fellowship.
Thank you so much for blessing our lives in this way. What a wonderful example you are setting for us all, to see Christ all around us.
God Bless you on your journeys.

[Mary Golden-Hughes]

We just had the pleasure of meeting the brothers at brunch in Harrisonburg before they head to the Appalachian Trail. What a beautiful experience for us and for our young children to witness how they glorify and exalt God. Our prayers and loving thoughts go with you on your journey.

[Bill Wyatt]

The friars left this morning and will be on the Appalachian Trail after celebrating the Lord's Supper at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Harrisonburg, Va.

It was truly a blessing to spend the weekend with them. Our family gained so much from their wisdom and their holiness.

Oh, and we had a little bit of fun too. Here's some photos from the weekend: http://tinyurl.com/nqe7rg

Thank you, brothers, for answering God's call. Godspeed on your pilgrimage. We are praying for you.

(Also a TV story about the friars: http://tinyurl.com/n8wjla)

[Bill Wyatt]

Praise the Lord, the friars have arrived safely in Harrisonburg. Here's a link to Maria's story in the Daily News-Record today: http://tinyurl.com/lmvyfn.

We're excited to spend the weekend with them in service and in prayer.

[Maria Rose]

Today is July 10th, and I am an intern for the Daily News Record in Harrisonburg. I was told to go out with a photographer and try to find a "crazy group of monks walkin' around" and interview them. I imagined a group of old gray-bearded men, shuffling on the side of the highway. Instead, I saw some (normal! ...except for the robes..) young men, just as I was going to say we should turn around. They were incredibly interesting, and I'm looking forward to writing a story on them. I wish them the best of luck and hope that everything goes well for them.

[The DeSimone Family]

We just wanted to say what a grace-filled experience it was to open our home in Fishersville, Va., to our Catholic brethren, the Franciscans. Every moment was an encounter with Christ (even playing Guitar Hero with the boys). What Jesus inspired St. Francis to do in the 13th century is alive and well today in these holy young men. Thank you for the many blessings and peace you have bestowed on our family and friends (The Mellos). May God keep you and bless you on your journey. See ya in Chicago!

[Fr. Rolo B. Castillo]

The friars arrived in Waynesboro in the evening on Tuesday, 7 July. They spent the night at the home of Linda & Doug Walker, had pancakes for breakfast before joining St. John the Evangelist for 9 a.m. Mass. They stayed for coffee and conversation with a few parishioners, then a couple of us walked with them east toward Fishersville, having lunch at Big Apple Bagels at the corner of Main & Lew DeWitt Blvd. They were hoping to get to Weyers Cave before sundown, then Harrisonburg by today (July 9). Wonderful spirit among them, lots of interesting stories. Have a great journey, guys!

[Ed Shea, OFM]

It is Thursday, July 2, and I am happy to report that the pilgrim-friars are settled in Charlottesville and preparing for a weekend of ministry there. Father Mark is presiding and preaching at a Catholic church there, and he told me that they are all planning his homily together -- that should be interesting! I sure do miss them and look forward to my return to the road in a few short weeks.

Paz y Bien!
Ed Shea, OFM

[fr gregg petri, ofm]

Dear Brothers,
How exciting to read about your pilgrimage and how deeply you are preaching by your walk. Know that you are in my prayers and as you walk, say a prayer for me and my ministry -- our Latino brothers and sisters.
Paz y Bien,
Gregg Petri, OFM

[L.Edwards]

As 11 members of the Cabarrus Quilters Guild of Concord, N.C., was staying at Tabor Retreat (www.taborretreat.com), Lynchburg, Va., we had the opportunity to meet four of the group. They were working for their meal and lodging. May God bless them on their journey.

[Donna Boyd]

It is Sunday, July 28, and I am happy to report that the friars have arrived safely at St. Francis Catholic Church in Amherst, Va. It was a joy to meet them and I wish them a safe journey!

[Donna Boyd]

It is Sunday, June 28th, and I just had the pleasure of meeting the four Franciscan monks walking from Salem to Washington, D.C. They are in Amherst, Va., tonight sheltered at the St. Mary Church.
My husband and I saw the four monks walking north on 29 Business this morning and as we passed them in the car, they waved. We were astonished, and talked about how they must be on a pilgrimage. When I saw them in Amherst several hours later I knew I wanted to say hello and lend a hand if possible. I am grateful to have had a chance to talk with them and help them arrange for shelter and dinner tonight. Thank you for sharing your time with me, and safe travels!

[Tom Fame]

Sunday, June 28. This afternoon brothers Mark, Josh, Cliff and Roger left Lynchburg heading towards Charlottesville, Va., on Rt. 29.

Richard left by Greyhound. He is going towards Olean, N.Y., and St. Bonaventure University for summer classes (two weeks) and will rejoin the guys later.

Info from Russ Beimler SFO, Lynchburg, Va.

[Tom Fame]

The friars stayed here at our house last night, arriving here about 3 p.m. after having done some work at our church. I had pickup Fr. Mark at the airport around 1 p.m. and was here when the rest of the group arrived.

They are resting and taking the day off, except Fr. Mark and I did some easy yard clean up work here - I told him we had to "make it official". I will be taking Richard to the bus station today to head up to N.Y. for his class work. Darell Laurant from the News & Advance is scheduled to be here around 11 to talk with them. They plan to go to Mass the next couple of days., and head out sometime on Sunday to get to Charlottesville by next Saturday. We had morning prayer/Mass this morning on our back porch and all are resting right now.
Peace & Blessings,
Russ Beimler

[carole stone]

On Wednesday, June 24th, my friend Cathi called me and told me that the four young Franciscans were walking down 221 near Goode, Va. i have always been intrigued by the order of St. Francis and in fact wear a St. Francis medal...so, I frantically jumped in my '75 conv Beetle with a bag of bottled water and fresh fruit and set out to find them.
They met me with smiles and as I tried to share my treats with them, they told me that they had been blessed beyond measure! They had Gatorades, fresh fruit, almonds, etc.
I talked mainly with Br. Josh...what a story they have to tell...of their personal journey and their love of Christ.
My heart was blessed by these four passionate young men on a spirtual journey to our nation's capital...oh, that we (all denominations) had the love of Christ, the heart of service, and the obedience to the only thing the Lord requires of us and that is to love HIM and the people He puts in our lives!

[Johnny Miller]

Wednesday around 4 p.m.: Josh, Richard, Clifford and Roger were near Forest, Va., taking a short break in a Gazebo off of Route 221. I was in attendance at Mass on Saturday at OLPH where they sang in the choir. I mentioned that my daughter was part of the group heading to Lancaster, Pa., for Catholic Heart Work Camp, and their response was "we've been praying for them". What a nice group of guys. I hope many along they way are as impressed and inspired as I was by these young men.

[Anita & Ashley]

Well, we are here at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., on a Thursday evening and we are coming out of the bookstore and we run into the friars (specifically Friar Cliff). It was amazing and totally awesome to meet him and to hear all about the walk that they are doing!! He told us all about being a friar and the history of it (as we know nothing about it!) and it was an honor and a pleasure to meet him and his brothers. They are all in my prayers tonight and may God Bless them!