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

[Bryan]

I work for UPS and with another manager had gone to Bedford to check on some drivers. We were on our way back to Roanoke from Bedford when we saw the guys this afternoon walking along US 460. We stopped at a local store, bought some water and back-tracked until we found them in Thaxton talking with the "mayor" of Thaxton. Good luck guys, you are in our prayers. We who wear brown have to stick together. God Bless all of you.

[Tom Fame]

Tuesday, 23 June. The guys made it to Bedford, Va., where they are taking a much needed rest. They are searching out churches and might visit the D-Day memorial there. Fr Ed and Fr Mark were driven back to Salem, Va., by Russ Beimler, a member of the Companions of Francis and Clare Secular Franciscan fraternity in S.W. Virginia. They will be heading back to Chicago for a meeting, and then Fr Mark will fly down to Lynchburg, Va. to catch up with them again. I hear that they slept in a church last night. Not sure whether inside or in its yard.
Peace

[Colleen]

Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church in Roanoke, Va., received a phone call at 8:00 AM this morning asking if we knew anything about the fellows walking in brown robes along the road. The woman said her daughter saw the fellows on the road in Monvale, Va., this morning while on her way to work. I explained that they were friars on their way to Washington and gave a little of their background (I have heard about them from quite a few folks). The woman was delighted and said she would pass the word along, and she knew that she would hear questions from others since she worked at the library. God is blessing their journey for sure!

[Dani and Jesse]

Our Monday was filled with the ordinary activities, each family member sorting out his or her life. I knew I was about to start my summer classes and my little brother was celebrating his half-birthday (9.5 to be exact), but did not expect to see faith in action. On our way home, we passed some gentlemen wearing brown tunics, big hats and backpacks. They were walking two-by-two on east 460. We weren't far from our house in Blue Ridge. And the heat was stifling for anyone, let alone those clad in dark, heavy tunics, so we decided it would be nice to take some water, ice and animal crackers back to these 6 men.

By the time we got back, they had made it almost to the Blue Ridge post office. We pulled over on the shoulder to share food and drink. We soon learned about their pilgrimage and what they had (or did NOT have) with them.

Over the past few days, they had said a blessing for a trip my mom is currently on (Catholic Heart Work Camp), stayed with a family of a fellow William and Mary alumna (though 3 years my senior), and walked the roads I drive on a daily basis. It is truly amazing to see how the Lord brings his people together.

Before we departed, two of us in a car and they in their sandals, they wanted us to let you all know:

*where they are...Blue Ridge, VA
*when they were here...about 2 p.m. 22 June
*where they slept last night...on a trampoline behind a fire station.

[Linda]

Friday was a very hot and humid day and I arrived at Madonna House (www.MadonnaHouse.org), a house of hospitality and prayer in the Roanoke Valley. A humble refuge from the world under the mandate set by the Madonna House Apostolate where people find the Holy Eucharist in the chapel, a place to find silence to listen to God, and a house based on love patterned after the Holy Family. Patricia and Margarita called me Thursday night to lend a hand while the Friars and a group of young men from the nearby Blue Ridge Bible Camp helped do work around the home. Pulling into the parking lot I knew it was going to be an interesting day! Before my eyes were a couple men in full brown robes, and straw hats bent over cleaning the patch of ivy filled land next to the main road. It felt like a time vortex opened and plunked down these men from the middle ages.

There are several places that serve the poor, the hungry, refugees, and the needy on this tiny plot of land shared with Madonna House and all run by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. While the Friars work next to the road that leads to these charities, countless people walk by. Many curious people talked with the Friars, the Friars always stopped and gave each person their full attention and the gentle loving dignity so many crave as they climb that hill for hope and charity.

A couple hours later the work was finished, the wonderful guys from Blue Ridge Bible Camp had to leave with personal tales of their time with these Catholic Friars not much older then them. The brothers and their mentors walked to the downtown market where HOG riders were gathered for a loud motorcycle parade. On their return to Madonna House the friars kindly blessed us with Mass in the chapel. The faces showed their love, reverence and devotion to our Lord Jesus.

Thank you dear God for uniting these two loving, caring groups who walk the path Jesus taught, the Franciscans Friars and the Madonna House Apostolate. May you bless them both as they try to follow your path faithfully and lovingly. May you protect and lovingly guide these kind, gentle, loving men, your chosen Friars as they trek hope-filled in trust and servitude in your son Jesus.

[Michelle Fame]

Being able to see ya'll off on your journey was a wonderful privilege. You all are a wonderful group and I tremendously enjoyed the time I spent talking with you all. It's a joy to know that as you continue your walk you will make the same impact on countless others. Giving hospitality is a very small price to pay to be in the company of such a high spirited and kind hearted group. Have a blessed journey and enjoy the horizon.

[J. David Maxey]

I knew the friars were coming, both the Madonna House ladies and my sister told me. They even told me about the traditional garb. I work next door to Madonna House at Refugee and Immigration Services of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. I was sitting in my office around 8:15 Friday morning - June 19 - and what did I see? Friars out of the 14th century armed with rakes and shovels working around a banana tree forest.
We are in a small southern city, Roanoke, VA, and with a day shelter in what was Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, the clients were indeed taken aback. I had a moment to meet a few of the friars and am heartened at their sense of spirit as they begin their trek. I'm also pleased that they chose Roanoke, VA as a starting point.
Good luck all!

David Maxey

[Linda]

Just wanted to let everybody following the trek they are here in Roanoke and worked hard in 90F heat and humidity almost as bad. What a wonderful group of men!
I must say it was great seeing them in their robes and meeting them! May God bless and protect them on their journey!