Marked By Love: St. Francis and the Mystery of the Cross
With Father James Puglisi
September 14 - 17, 2026
Father James Puglisi presents the Franciscan Jubilee Triduum Retreat
September 14–17, 2026
“MARKED BY LOVE: FRANCIS AND THE MYSTERY OF THE CROSS”
DAY 1 — MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Theme: The Cross as the Tree of Life
3:00–4:00 PM
Arrival, Registration, Quiet Settling In
4:15 PM
Welcome & Orientation
- Introduction to the Jubilee Triduum
- Explanation of silence, prayer rhythm, and retreat intentions
5:00 PM
Supper
6:15 PM
Evening Prayer (Vespers)
- Psalm 96 or 98
- Philippians 2:6–11
- Antiphon: We adore you, O Christ…
7:00 PM
Conference I
“The Cross Revealed: Francis and the Wisdom of the Crucified”
- San Damiano Cross and conversion
- The Cross as divine humility
- The Cross as the life-pattern of discipleship
Eucharist (Day 1)
8:15 PM
Eucharistic Celebration
Mass of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
- Entrance with the San Damiano Cross
- Preface of the Holy Cross
- Homily: The Cross as the beginning of Francis’ conversion
- Brief silence after Communion before the Cross
9:15 PM
Holy Hour before the Cross
- Taizé chant: Jesus, Remember Me
9:45 PM
Great Silence
DAY 2 — TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Theme: O Lady of the Atonement — Compassion as Transformation
Morning
7:30–9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:15 AM
Morning Prayer
- Candle lit before the Madonna of the Atonement
- Psalm 130 or 22
- John 19:25–27
- Antiphon: Behold your Mother
10:00 AM
Conference II
“Compassion, Conversion, and Atonement:
Mary at the Cross and the Heart of Francis”
- Fiat and the foot of the Cross
- Atonement as listening and repair
- Franciscan mercy in parish and world
Midday Eucharist (Day 2)
11:15 AM
Eucharistic Celebration
Mass of Our Lady of Sorrows / Atonement
- Optional Stabat Mater
- Seven Sorrows candles
- Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Post-Communion: brief Litany of Unity
12:00 PM
Lunch
Afternoon
1:30–3:00 PM
Communal Reconciliation Service
- Penitential rite
- Individual confessions
- Communal act of commitment to repair
3:15 PM
Veneration of Our Lady of the Atonement (quiet)
Evening
5:00 PM
Supper
6:30 PM
Stations of the Cross (Franciscan form)
7:45 PM
Keeping Watch with the Mother
Quiet candlelit prayer before the Madonna of the Atonement
- Short Scripture verse
- Silence
- Marian refrain (optional)
9:00 PM
Silence
DAY 3 — WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Day of Desire, Silence, and Preparation
Theme: Ascent to La Verna — The Burning Desire for God
Morning
7:30–9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:15 AM
Morning Prayer
- Psalm 63
- Celano: Francis’ longing for God
10:00 AM
Conference III
“The Mountain of God: Desire, Solitude, and the Fire of Love”
- La Verna
- Silence
- Desire as holiness’ engine
Midday Eucharist (Day 3)
11:15 AM
Eucharistic Celebration
Votive Mass of St. Francis
- Preface of St. Francis
- Quiet music
- Simple offertory with candles
12:00 PM
Lunch
Afternoon
1:00–4:00 PM
Extended Silence & Personal Prayer
- Nature
- Journaling
- Spiritual conversation available
Evening
5:00 PM
Supper (silence encouraged)
6:30 PM
Post-Communion Ritual (from Mass)
- Writing a prayer of desire on parchment
7:30 PM
Night Watch of La Verna
- Candlelit silent adoration
- Refrain: My God and My All
9:30 PM
Great Silence
DAY 4 — THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis
Theme: Marked by Christ — Love Made Visible
Morning
7:30–9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:15 AM
Morning Prayer
- Psalm 142
- Bonaventure on the Stigmata
Solemn Jubilee Eucharist
10:30 AM
SOLEMN MASS OF THE STIGMATA OF ST. FRANCIS
- San Damiano Cross in procession
- Incense and candlelight
- Hymn: The Cross of Love
- Veneration of the Cross of La Verna
Festive Conclusion
12:00 PM
Festive Lunch
1:30 PM
Canticle of the Creatures
Final Blessing & Sending Forth
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Holy Mountain Retreat Center
40 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524
Drive to the top of the mountain, turn left into the parking lot, and enter under the Graymoor sign. Guests park only in the front lot.
Check-In: 3:00 PM. Check-Out/Rooms Cleared: 10:00 AM
- Take the first elevator to the 5th Floor.
- Check in at the Retreat Office.
- Use the second elevator to access guest rooms on floors 6-8.
Guest Rooms
- Private rooms, or double by request
- Bathrooms located across the hall
- 5th-floor access code posted outside the Retreat Office
Please Bring / Note
- Bath towel(s)
- Personal toiletries
- Bathrobes must be worn in halls
- Proper attire – no pajamas in the dining room.
Helpful Information
- Wi-Fi: No password required
- Assistance/Security: 845-803-6068 (Rooms, AC, Smoke Alarms, Lost Key)
- Emergency: 911
- Snack Machine: 4th floor
Meals are served promptly in the Dining Room on 5th Floor
- Breakfast: 8:00 AM
- Lunch: 12:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM
Departure Instructions
- Leave sheets and towels (inside a pillowcase) outside your door
- Place trash can outside your door
- Turn off lights, fans, and air conditioning
- Return dishes to the dining room
- Return room key to the basket outside the Retreat Office
Please Protect Our Pipes
Flush toilet paper only. “Flushable” wipes cause damage and flooding.
While You’re Here
- Trail of Glory Art Exhibit (3rd Floor)
- Book & Gift Center (4th Floor) Wed. -Sun.
- Thrift Store (16 Franciscan Way) Wed. – Sun.
- Labyrinth Prayer Walk
- That Nothing Be Lost Thrift Store (16 Franciscan Way) Wed. – Sun
Dear Guests,
This retreat house is home to the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement.
Please always be mindful and respectful, maintaining quiet in
guest rooms and hallways.
Outside chapels close at dusk.
If you arrive after hours or need assistance with your room or meeting space, call Security/Maintenance at 845-803-6068
Kacey
845-690-1104
Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center
40 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524
Our Lady of the Atonement Retreat House
41 Old Highland Turnpike, Garrison, NY 10524
About the Leader
Father James Puglisi
Father James Puglisi, awarded the honoris causa Doctor of Divinity by the Graduate Theological Foundation, where he is a fellow, was elected to serve two terms as Minister General of the Friars from 2004-2014. Originally from Amsterdam, NY, Father Puglisi is in residency at St. Paul Friary at Graymoor. He had long served as […]
Learn more about Father James Puglisi