A Pilgrimage to Guaymas, SON Mexico -October 2026

Rick Rusch • August 21, 2026

Celebrating the Transitus of Saint Francis

The Journey of a Pilgrimage

“Let us begin, for up to now we have done nothing.” — Saint Francis of Assisi

The pilgrimage begins before we ever reach Guaymas. Our first stop is Mission San Xavier del Bac, a beautiful and historic place that gives pilgrims time to slow down, reflect, and explore—especially those experiencing the Mission for the first time. It is also part of the journey in a very practical way: we stop to pick up Fr. Martin’s mail before continuing south toward Mexico. From the very beginning, the pilgrimage becomes more than simply traveling to a destination—it becomes part of the experience.

Over the years, many pilgrims with Casa Franciscana Outreach have participated in pilgrimages to Guaymas, where they experience firsthand the work of Casa Franciscana Mission and meet some of the people it serves. They enter homes, listen to people’s stories, participate in service, pray and reflect together.

Along the way, the pilgrims often discover that pilgrimage is not only about what they come to give, but also about what they receive from the people they meet.

This October, Casa Franciscana Outreach invites others to share that experience.

From Friday, October 2, to Monday, October 5, 2026, pilgrims will take part in four days of service, prayer, meditation, reflection, and connection with our brothers and sisters in Guaymas. During the pilgrimage, they will also join the community in commemorating the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi and celebrating his feast day.

What It Means to Be a Pilgrim

On a previous pilgrimage, Fr. Martin Ibarra, OFM, prepared the group for the encounters ahead by taking them to the Shrine in Fatima overlooking Guaymas. There he spoke about Moses approaching the burning bush and hearing,

“Take off your sandals because you are standing on holy ground.”

Fr. Martin encouraged the pilgrims to “suspend judgment.” Do not immediately decide what is right or wrong or enter people’s lives believing everything needs to be fixed. Listen first, pray, and remain open to what God may be revealing through the people encountered along the journey.

Perhaps, he suggested, taking off our sandals also means letting go of some of the things we carry within ourselves—our prejudices, assumptions, and familiar ways of seeing the world. Only then can we recognize that the ground beneath us may already be holy.

A Visit with Don Jesús

During one pilgrimage, a group visited Don Jesús, who was confined to a bed in his small one-room home without running water. They arrived ready to work, but after cleaning what they could, they gathered around his bed and listened as he shared stories about his life and his deep faith in God.

Don Jesús recalled a time when he was hungry and had no money for food. He watched as the wind scattered bills from the hands of a passing man who searched for them but eventually left. Later, Don Jesús noticed several of the bills nearby. At a moment when he desperately needed food, he saw them as a reminder that God was present and that he was not alone.

For one pilgrim, listening to Don Jesús became more meaningful than the work they had come to do. His story reminded them that pilgrimage can be less about what we do for someone and more about being present and discovering what that person may give us in return. Don Jesús has since passed from this life, but his memory and the lesson he shared that morning remain part of the pilgrimage story.

October 2–5, 2026

The pilgrimage takes place during a particularly meaningful time in the Franciscan calendar. On the evening of October 3, Franciscans throughout the world remember the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi—his passing from this life into God—and renew their commitment to follow Christ in the way of the poor man from Assisi.

Celebrating the Transitus of St. Francis

Sunday afternoon, people from throughout the community gather in the town square and walk together in procession toward Casa Franciscana Mission. A mariachi band and horseback riders join the procession while Fr. Martin leads the way carrying incense.

At the Mission, the community gathers for Mass, followed by food, music, and dancing. What began with the solemn remembrance of St. Francis’s passage from this life into God becomes a joyful community celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Come With Us

The pilgrimage will take place Friday, October 2, to Monday, October 5, 2026.

The fee includes transportation, lodging, meals, basic volunteer travel insurance, supplies, and tools for work projects. Participants must complete the CFO Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability forms and bring a passport; persons under 18 require a parent or guardian and approval by the team leaders.

Registration opens August 1, 2026, and capacity is limited.

Questions about the pilgrimage or need financial assistance?

PilgrimageTeam@casafranciscana.org

Come with us to the Franciscan Mission in Guaymas to serve, listen, pray, and reflect with our brothers and sisters.

Then join the community in remembering:

St. Francis of Assisi as he passed from this life into God and celebrating the life and spirit of Francis together.