Walking for the St Francis Leprosy Guild!

Phil McCarthy • April 24, 2026

On 27th April 2026 I will set out from Florence to walk the Via di Francesco to Assisi and on to Rome. The walk is 322 miles long and very hilly! I am walking to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi and to support the St Francis Leprosy Guild. You can find out more about the Way here.

St Francis of Assisi (c.1181–3 October 1226) was an Italian mystic, poet and friar who founded the Franciscan religious order. He lived a life of poverty, becoming a beggar and itinerant preacher. Francis was also a pilgrim who undertook long journeys on foot. In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, Francis went to Egypt where a Crusader army had been encamped for over a year besieging the walled city of Damietta. He met Sultan, Al-Kamil, a nephew of Saladin, in the hope of securing peace and reconcliliation. Francis is known for his love of creation making him a saint for our times of war, conflict and environmental crises.

One of the turning points in Francis' early life was his encounter with a man suffering from leprosy. As a youth from a wealthy family the sight of someone suffering with this illness would fill Francis with fear and disgust. He would often turn away and walk in the opposite direction. One day while riding his horse in the countryside Francis spotted a someone with leprosy. His instinct, as always, was to turn back however, on this occasion Francis dismounted his horse, and warmly embraced the afflicted man. This meeting was to be a pivotal point in his life.

As a medical student in India I saw the devastating consequences of this disease. I am therefore walking the Way of St Francis to raise funds for the St Francis Leprosy Guild. If you would like to support them in this important work please see the information below.

Thank you.

Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead

St Francis Leprosy Guild

Inspired by St Francis of Assisi, the Guild has cared for people with leprosy for 130 years. It operates in twelve countries in Africa, Asia and in Brazil where leprosy is endemic.

By supporting over thirty leprosy centres and projects, the Guild plays an important part in caring for those affected by the disease and working towards a leprosy-free world.

The Guild funds research projects, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and capital equipment. It also funds Active Case-Finding, a programme that finds, diagnoses and treats people with leprosy before it causes disability and spreads into communities.

SFLG is a registered UK charity no: 1188749

The St Francis Leprosy Guild believes that a leprosy-free world is within sight; if not today, then soon.

If you would like to support the Guild's work please click on the button below.

Thank you.

'Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.'

St Francis of Assisi

DONATE HERE

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The 2027 John Bradburne Pilgrimage announced

By The JBMS • August 24, 2026

Following the success of this year's new route, the John Bradburne Memorial Society have announced that the Pilgrimage will return to the spectacular High Cup Nick in 2027. Join us on Saturday 12 June 2027 for a memorable day of prayer, fellowship and adventure in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside. The day will begin at 10.00am with Mass celebrated at St John the Evangelist Church, Skirwith. John Bradburne's father was once the vicar of this church, and John himself was baptised there. Everyone is warmly welcome to attend Mass, even if they are not joining the walk. We will then travel to Dufton, where the walk will begin at approximately 11.20am. The route is around 13km (8 miles), with approximately 408 metres of ascent, and is expected to take about five hours, including a lunch stop. Although there is a well defined path throughout, this is a demanding hill walk and a good level of fitness is essential. Participants must bring proper walking boots, suitable outdoor clothing, food and plenty of water. Afterwards, we will return to Skirwith Village Hall for refreshments and to celebrate the day together. Whether you are a seasoned walker, a supporter of John's Cause or simply looking for a day of prayer, friendship and adventure, we would love you to join us. 📍 Saturday 12 June 2027 ⛪ 10.00am Mass at St John the Evangelist Church, Skirwith 🥾 Walk from Dufton at approximately 11.20am ☕ Refreshments afterwards at Skirwith Village Hall To book your place and make a donation in support of Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre, please visit www.johnbradburne.com or email info@johnbradburne.com . NB Please note that this walk is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Participants should be fit and confident walking over fell terrain for several hours. We look forward to welcoming you! John Bradburne Memorial Society

On New Roads

By Eddie Gilmore • August 20, 2026

To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi the Society of St Francis, organised a 700-mile ‘Peace Pilgrimage’ through England.

A Franciscan Mini Pilgrimage at the WeBelieve Festival

By Phil McCarthy • August 19, 2026

I was delighted that Theresa Alessandro included the WeBelieve Franciscan Mini Pilgrimage in her All Kinds of Catholic podcast. In July 2026 I led a short Franciscan walking pilgrimage through the grounds of Oscott College, Birmingham. It was a contribution to the second WeBelieve Festival of Catholic life which attracted 2,700 people of all ages. The festival was a wonderful opportunity to discover the traditions and charisms that flow through the Church, to grow in community, and to encounter the transforming love of God. The festival aims to deliever a feast of the True, the Good and the Beautiful.‍ It was a wonderful that Juliana, a Secular Franciscan could join the pilgrimage and lead the prayers. She is a layperson who has committed to following the Franciscan Theresa Alessandro recorded the pilgrimage for her podcast. It can be found at about 16.45 minutues in. More about the WeBelieve festival can be found here . More about the All Kinds of Catholic podcast can be found here . More about the Secular Franciscans can be found here . Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead