The annual retreat of the Knights of St Thomas More will this year be a special pilgrimage to Assisi to visit the beautiful city that gave us St Francis, St Anthony and St Clare, each of whom have special relevance to us as parishioners at St Anthony’s Parish. The group will be guided by or own Fr Vincent Gallogley OFM who will be able to share his enormous knowledge of St Francis and of the city of Assisi, giving both the historical and spiritual context.
This event is primarily for the Knights and their wives, but we happily welcome other individuals or couples from the parish who are interested to join the group.
Dates
Friday 9th April to Sunday 11th April 2010
Flights
Flights are to be booked and paid directly by the participant. Early bookers will have an advantage; late bookers will pay a premium. Currently these flights are selling on ryanair.com for €29.99 each way , plus charges. Total cost €108.81.
Outbound: Friday 9 Apr 10; Flight FR 3745 Depart Charleroi 10:30; Arrive Pisa 12:10
Return: Sunday 11 Apr 10; Flight FR 3746; Depart Pisa 12:35; Arrive Brussels 14:25
Since we will all book our own flights, you will also have the possibility to make your own way to Assisi to meet up with the group. It will be possible to extend your stay beyond the days of the retreat at your own cost.
Accommodation
Rooms will be in a 'house of welcome' operated by the Franciscans – Le Stuoie (see www.lestuoie.it)
“Le Stuoie is a Franciscan house of accommodation situated next to the sanctuary of the Porziuncola and it is near the places of the memory and glory of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. "Le Stuoie" is literally 'the mat' and is a reference to the conference at Assisi in 1222 when St Francis called together his followers in Assisi - but there were so many that there was not enough accommodation and they slept in the open air on mats. This will not be required of us, however!
The house is located at Santa Maria degli Angeli, a few minutes drive from the centre of Assisi.
It’s a privileged place to immerse yourself in the mystic beauty of Assisi, so that you can perceive Saint Francis’ Spirit in your soul, always alive in this city that was the scene of his memorable life.”
Rooms can be single or double at the same rate. We will be taking a rate for “Bed & Breakfast” and meals will be taken either at the hotel or elsewhere in the city.
Transfers
We will rent mini-buses /people carriers as required based on the number of travelers. These vehicles will be collected from and returned to Pisa Airport relative to the above Ryan Air flights.
Package cost
We are proposing a package cost of €300 per person to cover the cost of meals (3 lunches and 2 dinners), accommodation (2 nights with breakfast) and transfers (car rental and fuel).
Payments and Cancellations/Refunds
Participants will be asked to pay one-third at the time of booking and the balance will be due two weeks prior to departure. Payments should be made to the account of the Knights of St Thomas More (310-1532871-66). Mark the payment with your name, number of participants and “Assisi”.
Cancellation Refunds will be paid at the discretion of the Supreme Knight, based on costs incurred.
