Pilgrimages and Retreats
Please see pictures of our 2025 Pilgrimage to Avila
Pilgrimage to Avila
14-20 of September 2025
Why are the spiritualities of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila so relevant in the world today? While the younger generations do not bemoan the loss of religion, there is undoubtedly a huge thirst for spirituality in the modern world.
The spirituality of both mystics continues to have a huge impact on our lives as it speaks directly to our hearts and responds to our real needs. St. John of the Cross is of relevance to us because his spirituality can help us heal our vulnerabilities such as the absence of meaning, fragility, remorse, fear of loneliness and death, guilt, anxiety, and depression among so many existential concerns of modern life. St. Teresa of Avila, on the other hand, can be rightfully called the precursor of what is now called ‘mindfulness’.
A group of 25 pilgrims from St Peter's Acton Green and St Michael's and All Angels, Bedford Park walked the ways of St Teresa and St John visiting the most symbolic and iconic places of the saints: Avila, Alba de Tormes, Segovia, Salamanca, Fontiveros, Arevalo and Medina del Campo.
This pilgrimage also represented a chance for each one of them to rediscover their spiritual path through contemplation, silence and nature, and immerse their minds and hearts into the mystical experience of St. Teresa and St. John.
Testimonials
I would thoroughly recommend the tours organised by St Peter's Centre for Mindfulness. Father Fabrizio and Jinny arranged a fabulous week in north west Spain, visiting beautiful medieval towns (Ávila, Alba de Tormes, Segovia, Salamanca, Fontiveros, Medina del Campo and Arévalo) seeing cathedrals, museums, churches and castles.
We followed the trail of St Teresa of Ávila and St John of the Cross, neither of whom I was familiar with (somewhat embarrassed to admit), but now feel I could hold forth about these extraordinary saints and what they achieved for the Christian faith.
We had church services, excellent meditations and contemplations by Jinny, the most delicious lunches every day at different restaurants selected by FF in advance (20 euros per lunch for 3-4 courses and wine. Foodie heaven!).
Huge thanks to Fabrizio for the enormous amount of research and preparation, not just for lunches, but accommodation (in CiTes in Ávila), trips, experiences, and inspiring tours and talks by priests, curators and experts at the buildings we visited.
The warmth was not just the weather, which was perfect, but also all my fellow pilgrims. I made many friends with delightful individuals and couples from St Michaels and All Angels, and others from elsewhere, all of whom were fun, inspiring and a joy to meet.
Do sign up for the next trip - but not before I have, please! Kate
Thank you very much for taking us on this lovely Pilgrimage to Avila. I appreciate the effort both of you have put in arranging and managing this pilgrimage and have been very helpful. It was a good experience and we learnt a lot. There was so much to see and do and it was wonderful.
May the Lord bless you all. Hilda
The Pilgrimage to Avila was a time of gentle friendship, informed exploration and above all spiritual refreshment through study meditation and a daily mass.It was a joy! Jane
This year’s pilgrimage to Spain, following last year’s unforgettable journey to Assisi, was a deeply enriching and spiritually nourishing experience. Guided with warmth and wisdom by Father Fabrizio and our wonderful assistant Jinny, each day felt intentional and meaningful. From visits to sacred churches and monasteries to exploring beautiful museums rich in faith and culture, the journey fed both the soul and the mind.
I came away feeling spiritually uplifted, more centred, and with a clearer perspective — something I hadn’t realised I needed until I experienced it. I’m truly grateful to Father Fabrizio and Jinny for their dedication, kindness, and for creating a space where faith, reflection, and community could grow so naturally.
Thank you for a pilgrimage I will always carry in my heart.
Barbara
Please see pictures of our 2024 Pilgrimage to Assisi
The Franciscan Centenary is a journey that the Franciscan family throughout the world has decided to celebrate together on the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis' Easter and the culminating events of the last years of his life. The Centenary has been divided into 4 Centenaries, respectively, spread over 4 years where it will be possible to reflect and contemplate the Rule and Christmas in Greccio (1223-2023), the Gift of the Stigmata (1224-2024), the Canticle of the Creatures (1225- 2025), the Easter of Francis of Assisi (1226-2026).
A group of 16 pilgrims from St Peter's and St Michael's and All Angels, Bedford Park took part in the Centenary that celebrates the Gift of the Stigmata (1224-2024) to St Francis in October 2024. During the pilgrimage the participants journeyed together the way of St Francis and delved into the Franciscan spirituality by visiting the most iconic and spiritual places of Assisi. This pilgrimage also represented a chance for each one of them to rediscover their spiritual path through contemplation, silence and nature, and experience an amazing part of the historic beauty, culture and spirituality of Italy.