Day 5 – Day one of Our Pilgrimage – Visit to Assisi - 18 April 2011

The morning came too quickly, especially for the leaders who had to get up early to prepare themselves before getting our boys up. Akela/Grey wolf was the lucky leader to go and get our Explorers and Timber wolves up. With a lot of encouragement, prodding and patience we got our boys up, dressed and out the door for 5:30 am and into the waiting coach line. We were on time and we pulled out of the seminary for our 3-hour drive to Assisi. After brief morning prayers our boys fell back asleep until 10 minutes prior to our arrival.

The day dawned bright and sunny without the hint of a cloud in the sky. The town of Assisi is quite beautiful sight, especially in the bright sunlight of this bright spring day. The town was built in the side of a mountain to protect it from invaders.

Upon our arrival, we disembarked from our bus to enjoy a light breakfast before walking up 100 metres to the Basilica of St. Francis. We descended to the tomb of St Francis to celebrate our private Mass for our group. We are very grateful to Father Thomas, Brother Nicholas and Brother Dennis for making this possible. Our group quietly filled the chapel and our boys were in awe when they realised where they were.

The Mass was so moving and spiritually powerful that it generated tears of thanksgiving for some and a realisation of the mercy of God as illustrated through the life of St. Francis of Assisi. At the same Mass we witnessed Andy Hwang receive his First Communion with great joy and excitement. The event was made extra special for the fact that both his parents were available to witness this event with his brother Timber wolves, Explorers and FNE Leaders. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos in the church so we were unable to capture this event on film.

After mass, one of our Explorers remarked, “Grey Wolf, this mass was the most moving and special Mass that I ever experienced in my life. I really thought that the Lord was reaching out to each of us in a special way, I am so happy.” After a washroom break that cost 0.60 Euros per person…we returned to the Basilica for tour led by Father Thomas using headset units. These units facilitated us hearing very detailed descriptions of the different altars and paintings with special emphasis on the last judgement scene. Father described the images and highlighted the battle that we call face between good and eveil in our hearts.

On the way to the Basilica of St. Clair, Andy Hwang’s parents treated the group to gelatos (ice cream) to celebrate his First Communion. This by far one of the best ice creams you could every experience. We all enjoyed this treat very much. We returned to the bus and went to a rest stop for a picnic lunch consisting of ham and cheese sandwich, cookies and a drink.

At the Basilica of St. Clair we knelt in deep prayer in the front of the very cross that Jesus spoke through to St. Francis. Jesus said, “Francis, Francis re-build my church which as you see is in ruin.” Together we called out to the Lord to help us hear him as to what he wants us to do and then to find the courage to do what he is asking us. From there we moved to another part of the Basilica to pray the rosary for our loved ones, those who are sick and for our movement. We silently descended to the lower level to view the uncorrupted body of St Clair of Assisi who dies in 1253. What a miracle!

For our last stop of the day we visited St Mary of the Angels which was one of the original churches repaired by St Francis. This is where St. Clair of Assisi got her hair cut to symbolize her parting from social and family riches and accepting a life of poverty and great sacrifice. In this very church, Jesus spoke with St Francis through the cross and where he died in October 4, 1226.

The most moving and striking part of the day was when we when we discovered Eucharistic Adoration underway. The boys entered the side chapel and immediately and without prompting moved up to the altar rail, fell to their knees, and went into private prayer with Jesus. This site was so moving and sincere that a nun came out to ask Father Tomas as to who and where these boys came from as she had never seen as act of love for Jesus by youth similar to what our Timber wolves and Explorers  demonstrated right then and there.

When Brother Dennis suggested that it was time to leave Adoration only but a few boys responded immediately. Brother Dennis also remarked that he has been working with youth for better than 3 years and had never seen or experienced what he did today. Jesus was so very happy with our Explorers and Timber wolves at that very moment that he poured many graces on them. This was for us as leaders a real joy and gift. Thank you Jesus!

Our sunset drive through the Valle del Bucello mountains, was truly a breathtaking sight with many beautiful valleys to see below as we climbed ever higher we reached our destination Loreto. We stayed at the Scalabriniani Hotel a former seminary.

Upon our arrival at 7:30 pm we filed into the dining room for a wonderful feat consisting of bread, pasta, fried potato wedges, salad, breaded pork, apples, pineapple, coffee, tea, water and soft drinks. Our boys really ate well. After dinner we assigned our boys to rooms – either 2, 4 or 6 boys to a room and gave them 15 minutes to set up before returning to the lobby for 9 pm. All our Timber wolves and Explorers returned to the lobby within the prescribed time give or take 5 minutes. A great start to the evening.

From there we filed into the chapel for what we thought would be a 30 to 45 minute question and answer period after signing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. What awaited us exceeded our wildest expectations. We started off the evening discussion with a question and answer period which in turn drove an active and engaging discussion period. Father Thomas made himself available to hear confessions. When Akela/Grey Wolf asked who wanted to go first, at least 40 hands shot up with much clamouring as to who would go first. We finally settled on the order that the boys were seated.

Before starting on singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on a whim Akela/Grey Wolf invited (hoping that 2 or 3 boys would volunteer) the boys to share with his brothers his feelings, observations. Hopes and dreams for our pilgrimage to date. As the first boy began sharing his feelings we were blown away by what followed. One after another each boy that went up opened up their hearts and shared with his brothers without fear of shame or ridicule. Their thoughts and comments were so profound and unique. We experienced such a wide range of emotions such as:

• Laughter
• Happiness
• Sorrow
• Joy
• Surprise
• Excitement
• Peace
• And above all love

Some of our boys came up to offer their testimony with tears of thanksgiving flowing like a river; to deep expressions of love for their parents as to the sacrifice made to make this pilgrimage happen; to having the Lord touch them in very special ways; to reflecting back to experiences from summer camp and Eucharistic adoration; to not doubting God’s love for us; how much the program has done to rekindle faith; why they are now believers not just because of what their parents taught them but by what they have seen and experienced.

Our boys spoke in awe about St. Francis of Assisi, his love for the Lord and his detachment from worldly values and material things. They also spoke about the miracle of seeing the body of St Clair of Assisi uncorrupted hundreds of years after her death. The boys who shared testimonies that brought tears to the eyes of the adults present include: Tommy, John, Michael K., Christian, Jiseok, Anthony, San, Wilton, David, Rino, Antonio and Michael C. (Shared at request of the boys - Akela/Grey Wolf)

Brother Denis was also present. He had to retire for the night after four boys, but he remarked how moved and impressed he was based on what he saw and heard. Parents you should be so very proud of your sons as they are all really good, loving and responsible children! We ended the evening just before midnight by singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on our knees in front of the Tabernacle. The singing was so loving, peaceful and in harmony that the Lord could not help but be very pleased!

Facebook stored photos:
Link to Day5 photos

Map of travels for the day:
Map of trip to Assisi and Loreto

Day 4 - Departure from Camp to Seminary - Sunday April 17th

Sunday morning was upon us before we knew it with a cool breeze blowing off the mountains, a blazing sun, and heavy dew covering the grass. As Akela/Grey Wolf is normally the first one up he surveyed he camp and found the timber Wolves fast asleep with a couple snoring away although with less volume than some of the leaders (Grey Wolf is not one of them! J)

At 7:30 am sharp, the morning gathering whistle went off for the Explorers who soon staggered out of their tents hurriedly putting on their uniforms to scramble for opening ceremonies. Some of our Explorers found this aspect of the day’s program more than a little challenging.

As per the previous assemblies, the nine patrols (six Italian and three Canadian) quickly assumed their positions in formation with each patrol chief proudly holding their patrol flag to receive instructions for the day and then pick up their allotment of food for the days breakfast. The Explorers breakfast was similar to the previous day and consisted of bread, jam, butter, boiled eggs and hot chocolate. It was simple, nutritious and filling.

By 7:40 am, Akela, wandered into the quarters of the Timber Wolves to rouse up our “sleeping beauties as they had their full of fun, running and games from the previous day. The Canadian Timber wolves remarked how physical the Italian boys could be and how we/they needed to rise to the challenge to keep up. By 7:45 am, we had the boys pack their bags as the day’s busy schedule would leave little time to pack later. By 8:10 am, we arrived for an Italian breakfast of crusty bread, four different types of jams, butter, hot chocolate or tea, and scramble eggs.  There was little food left by the end of breakfast.

As with the previous day’s opening ceremonies, the Explorers joined their brother for the morning flag hoisting. They moved in a neat single-lined formation to the great field to hoist the flags of Canada, Italy and the movement. After the flags were raised, one Explorer from each country would recite the Explorer law in their own language and salute the Trap leaders of the day. Then, our Explorers proudly and without any degree of shyness, sang “O Canada” after the Italians completed sing the Italian national anthem. 

This morning a new Italian Timber wolf den arrived at 9 am sharp. The Italian Timber wolves arrived anxious to greet their Canadian brothers before attending Palm Sunday Mass. It was quite a sight to see more than 100 Italian and Canadian Explorers gather for mass as we all held palms in our hands to remember the great celebration of the people who greeted Jesus as he enter Jerusalem for Palm Sunday many years ago. The Explorers along with the Timber wolves and leaders from both countries gathered together for the blessing of the palms before forming process to enter the mass area.

We celebrated mass in an open area in both languages with Tommy Lee doing the first reading, Rino Castagna doing the second reading and Tristan Lipton doing the responsorial Psalm. Father (we had two celebrating with us) gave two homilies in Italian and then English. Participating in Holy Communion with our brother on Palm Sunday was a special experience. Many of our boys were on their knees after receiving Jesus, giving thanks for this very special moment, time and place. Mass lasted for 90 minutes on the sun soaked lawns, with a dry breeze blowing over the space. It was a truly glorious morning. Our boys sand three songs during Mass, “Be Not Afraid”, “Magnificat”, and “Immaculate Mary”.

After Mass, the three groups (Timber wolves, Explorers and Leaders) spent the balance of the morning and early afternoon in separate programs. The Italian leaders led both groups of Timber wolves in a wide variety of challenging games. Our boys had a great time. The Explorers had their own games and then began winding up camp before preparing lunch. Our leaders benefited from another training session led by a couple of Italian leaders. The leader shared a number of great ideas that would greatly benefit our efforts in Canada.

Lunch was awesome. It consisted of a pasta appetizer, followed by mash potatoes and true Italian pizza without the crust and dessert of apples and oranges. Our Explorers cooked their own meals which varied from one patrol to another. Italian Explorers always cook over an open fire. There is no such thing as stoves (less to carry)

As the day wound down, it was time to clean up the camp and pack to our bags for travelling to our next destination. Our Explorers exchanged email addresses and Facebook contact details with their new found brothers. I some cases they exchanged, parts of uniforms, such as uniform belts and t-shirts. They took group photos with new friends and exchanged gifts with much excitement. The Italian Timber wolves, Explorer and Leaders receiving gifts showed great appreciation for the items they received.

Before we knew it the day and camp came to an end. We held closing ceremonies and said our goodbyes until the movement wide jamboree for Explorers in France, in the summer of 2014! This great adventure awaits us. We learned much, but realize that we have much more to experience as our FSE/FNE is so profound and deep!

At 4 pm sharp, we loaded a coach line for the ride to the Oreto train station. We really had to hustle as we had tight connections. Our boys lumbered into the station with their luggage down a flight of stairs, and up another to the pre-assigned platform. When we arrived at the so-called “assigned platform; the assignment had changed for 3 to 5. We had to rush to the correct platform. It was quite the struggle but we made it with the Explorers assisting their younger brothers. We made it with just 5 minute to spare.  

One of the challenges we had to overcome was the fact that Italian trains do not have spare storage space for multiple large bags, but thanks to the efforts of all involved we loaded All of the luggage and boys onto the train all in the short span of 4 minutes!

We settled in for our trip of 85 minutes to Roma Termini, the central Rome train station. We are thankful to the understanding conductors who allowed some of our boys without seats to sit in the spare first class seat that were available. Otherwise, we would have to sit on our baggage while squeezing into all available seats.

Upon arrival at the central train station, we offloaded the train in 5 minute flat and were led by an Italian Explorer leader, who was there just for that purpose, to the next train for a 23-minute walk to our final stop. We had a scant 34 minute to make the connection that included a 15 minute from one end of the train station to another, but once again we made it. After approximately 30 minute ride, we got off at Roma Aurelia. The conductor was kind enough to allow us the time necessary to get off the train.

Father Thomas and Brother Nicholas were waiting for us at the train station. We went down a set of stairs and up another and finally up a steep hill to entrance to the seminary with the older boys helping the younger boys. The Seminary was breathtaking in both its beauty and size. This facility houses over 300 seminarians. Upon arrival, the first priority was a long drink of cold water.

We quickly settled into our sleeping quarters and then headed off for a badly need shower followed by a great swim in the huge indoor pool. After our swim we tracked upstairs for a great dinner of seasoned rice and chicken, salad and very tasty mini-pizzas. After the day’s hard work our boys consumed almost every available pizza. Everyone was satisfied after this great meal.

We went off to bed after turning in our uniforms for washing. This task took about 10 minute after which everyone fell into a deep sleep. We saw the end of another exciting day as we planned to get up at 4:45 am for our 3-hour trip to Assisi.

Facebook stored photos: 

Link to Day4 photos

From Camp to the Seminary
map from camp to seminary

Day 3 - Saturday April 16th

The day dawned sunny and cool, all too soon. By 7:30 am. Akela was out and about to rise our Timber wolves out of bed. For a few like Jiseok and Roy it was a real challenge. The Explorers were in their uniforms ready to go at 8 am (while all but four of the boys .. including Roy) for opening ceremonies – quite an impressive sight.

The Explorers gathered their breakfast from the kitchen and ate it within their patrols. We could see teamwork in each patrol start to improve and take hold. While the Timber Wolves huddled together for breakfast ready right to the minute!

After breakfast, the Timber Wolves went for a job to the main entrance of the camp where the “old” Akela could still outrun and outlast the Timber Wolves..good for Akela. There is room for improvement on the part of our Timber Wolves. We really appreciate the landscape around the camp including the railways and pyramid-like mountains.

While at the main gain of the camp, the Italian Timber Wolves arrived so excited to see their Canadian brother. They got off the bus right then and there to meet their brothers. Not only were the boys excited, but more excited were the Italian leaders such as Baloo, Chil, Akela. Many of the leaders spoke great English. After taking group photos at the gate, and active program ran by the Italian leaders got underway while the Canadian leaders participated in leader training.

The Explorers quickly picked up skills on building projects led and taught by their brother Italian Explorers. The Explorers moved rapidly from program to another, some very challenging from problem, team building, design planning, cooking skills and physical endurance and hands on challenges. Explorer boys love rough and challenging activities.. they sure got their fill of this aspect of the program.

Our Timber Wolves experienced a program ran by an Italian Akela and his team for the day. Their program consisted of running, team building, craft and more. By the end of the day, we expect our boys to happily track off to bed! All in all… another wonderful day. Our Italian hosts have worked so hard to deliver to our boys and theirs a true FSE Explorer program, while our leaders spent 6 plus hour in training. We have lots of program enhancement to bring home to run FNE Explorers!  

Facebook stored photos: 

Link to Day3 photos

Day 2 - Friday April 15th

Our flight of 8 hours and 25 minutes went fairly fast with many boys so excited that they did not sleep much. And instead choose to watch multiple movies. We had a dinner choice of chicken or beef with drink. For breakfast, we had a cake muffin with a choice of drink – nothing special.

We arrived safely in Rome to a partly sunny day and a temperature of 10 degrees C and climbing. We disembarked from the plane and boarded a bus to go through customs and baggage claim. After 90 minutes we were ready to take our 2-hour train ride north to Oreto. Oreto is a small close to the home base for the Italian national camp near Soriano. During the train ride many of boys and leaders took the opportunity to catch up on their sleep.

The boys were transported to “Bornwsea camp” in two waves with the second wave waiting at the train station till the vehicles returned (especially given the volume of luggage). The boys waiting at the train station enjoyed a refreshing drink in between playing cards, tag, their own version of slap hands game and making plans as to how perhaps they could win a game of soccer against their Italian bothers.

The Italian skies opened up with heavy rain upon the second wave of boys just like we experienced in 2007!

Many hands make light work as we removed the luggage into the hall while we awaited the arrival of the Italian explorer at 7 pm. At 7 pm sharp six patrols of explorers arrive on time (in the rain) and our boys marveled at their stamina, organizational discipline, true patrol unity and working as a team as they walked up the hill an into the hall without any real concern for the rain that fell.

By 7:30 pm, our Explorers (watched by their younger Timber wolf brothers) joined for the first time the larger FSE/FNE explorer family and suddenly saw that what we have been teaching them in Canada really mattered as the patrols came together to shout out their gathering call, to respond to the gathering whistle, to pray together and to proudly represent their patrol troop an country. It was a real special feeling knowing that we are truly part of a larger family; a family that has gone of its way to make everyone of our Explorers feels welcome and a member of our FSE family.

In spite of the rain, the Explorers operating in three mixed troop of two Canadian patrol and on Canadian patrol was up and running..and we do mean running to set up their large tents. As leaders (and parents) it was a real joy to see every Explorer run and work hard whiling paying little heed to the pestering rain in order to “get the job done”.

The Timber wolves enjoyed a 45-minute nap while only one or two of them actually closed their eyes as they were having such a great time. After their nap, Akela Paul took all of the Timber Wolves for a little adventure to visit a man-made cave on the camp ground. In the past this cave was chiseled out of volcanic rock to house farm animals. Now this cave is used as a chapel for prayer and reflection.

At 9 pm, we gather altogether for a skit (a representation) of St Francis of Assisi and one of his brothers to share with the boys of giving, helping other and even to make a personal sacrifice from time to time. From there we shared a simple “Franciscan” home-made meal complete with Italian olives that “most” of our Timber wolves and Explorers ate as they were quite hungry.

Then by 9:45 pm we started to drag our tired selves off to bed for a well deserved night of sleep..with the Explorers heading off to their tents. By 10:05 pm, not a sound was heard except for a few boys who gradually increased the sound of their snoring.

Facebook stored photos: 

Link to Day2 photos

Map of Route:
map of route from the airport to the camp

Day 1 - Thursday April 14th

For weeks and months on end some of our Timber Wolves and Explorers diligently set up and followed “countdown” clocks to the big day – 3 pm, Thursday, April 14, 2011. At long last it was all but 5 boys who showed up at the airport right on time. One of our Timber Wolves, Harry Kim, was already on route from Seoul, Korea to Rome with flight duration of 16+ hours. Within 16 hours and four meals later, Harry before we did by 90 minutes

After checking in at the group check in counter, we kicked off the pilgrimage with a mass in the Terminal 1 chapel. Father Terry celebrated a private mass for the group. We had over 50 boys along their family members in attendance. This was one the largest group to attend mass at the chapel. We have a number of wonderfully taken pictures to share with you to give you a feel of the size of the group in attendance in the chapel.

At 5:30 pm, the boys bid goodbye to their parents and headed off to a smooth hassle-free flow through airport security to the assigned gate of 178. By 6:05 pm, the boys quickly broke up into small groups to play cards, tell jokes and look forward to our departure on Air Canada B76.

Boarding took 30 minutes longer than expected due to technical challenges with the aircraft. Once the maintenance crew addressed these challenges, we pre-boarded the flight and quickly settled into our assigned seats. Only one boy was not able to make the flight. However, we look forward to him joining us tomorrow.

The plane took off within 35 seconds on runway 06L (Left) and finally we were off on our adventure of a lifetime – our pilgrimage to Rome and joint camp with Italian Explorers and Timber Wolves. We are proud of how well our boys have continues to work together within their teams. We introduced this concept to them a few weeks back at the Normount school. Today we emphasized the importance of these teams and our boys rose to our expectations.

The flight went well and took us smoothly into day 2 of our pilgrimage.

Facebook stored photos: 

 Link to Day1 photos

Calling Italy from Canada and Emergency Contact Details (Only for Emergencies)

Here is our emergency contact information while we are in Italy. Note that to call Italy from Canada dial

011 + 39 + area code + phone number

• 011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada
• 39 - country code for Italy
• area code - 2 - 4 digits
• phone number - 5 - 8 digit

For more instructions see: http://www.howtocallabroad.com/italy/


Address of the Seminary after we return from camp on Sunday we are staying at while in Rome is Legionaries of Christ Seminary Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190  00163 Roma, Italia  Seminary number (39) 06 665271

Emergency contact number - Until our Pilgrimage begins at about 8.00 pm Rome time on Sunday April 17 - that's 2.00 pm Toronto time.  Please use the cell number of 01 416 435 6593. After the Pilgrimage starts on Sunday you can use the cell carried by Father Thomas (39) 348 796-7937

Practicing Your Italian

Here are a few Italian words and phrases to remember. Note that if you would like to listen to the pronunciations you may use the following link: http://translate.google.ca/?tab=mT#

Thank You = Grazie [GRAH-tsee-eh]

Hello = Buon giorno [BUOHN JOHR-noh j

Hello, my name is = Buon giorno, mi chiamo [KYAH-moh] Paul

What is your name? = Come ti chiame? (familiar), [KOH-meh ti KYAH-meh]

                                               Come si chiama  (formal) [KOH-meh si KYAH-mah]

Please = Per favore [per fah-VOH-reh]

Goodbye = Ciao [CHOW] or Arrivederci [ah-rree-veh-DEHR-chee]

You're welcome = prego [PREH-goh]

O.K./good = Bene [BEH-neh]

notes for vowel sounds:

e sounds as Canadian "EH"

a sounds as "AAH"

i sounds as "E"