A Pilgrimage Made Extraordinary by Friendship
When Virgilio and his family decided to celebrate his 60th birthday in June 2025, they knew exactly how they wanted to do it: by setting out on another pilgrimage together, this time bringing along their dearest friends. Having already completed both the Via Francigena and the Camino de Santiago, they chose to walk the Way of St. Francis of Assisi.
But this pilgrimage came with a challenge. One of their dearest friends, Fabiola, was struggling with health issues that made it impossible for her to walk more than very short distances. For Virgilio, his family, and their close circle of friends, continuing without her was simply unimaginable. They wanted her to live the journey fully, step by step, emotion by emotion, despite the obstacles.
In search of a solution, Virgilio contacted Spanish Step’ tour manager Virginio Corsi, explaining every detail of the situation. Virginio recalled a device he had read about: the Joëlette, a one-wheeled, all-terrain trekking chair invented by French mountain guide Joël Claudel that allows people with limited mobility to experience outdoor trails.
After careful research, Virginio found an electrically assisted Joëlette available for rent.
It was something new for everyone involved, and they stepped into it with curiosity, determination, and hope.
“We truly want our friend to share this experience with us, not from afar but right there on the path.”
Virgilio, during his call to Spanish Steps
A Journey Redefined
The Cammino di San Francesco began. Even with electric assistance, the Joëlette required strength, coordination, and absolute focus. The trail challenged the team with steep hills, uneven paths, and rocky stretches. Yet something powerful happened. The guides studied each section of the trail, the group set out turns and positions, and all together they supported each other every step of the way.
What might have been a limitation transformed into the very heart of the experience.
The friends’ laughter, care, songs, prayers, and deep bond turned fatigue into joy. Each climb, each challenge drew them closer.
For Fabiola, the pilgrimage brought another kind of challenge: accepting to be carried, trusting completely, and allowing her journey to unfold through the hands and strength of others.
For her companions, it was an honour. A visible, human expression of friendship. A rare privilege that no technology or planning alone could provide.
“Whenever a pilgrim faces a difficulty on the trail, whether it is a simple blister or a more serious challenge, our mission remains the same: to find a solution that allows them to fully experience the unique journey of pilgrimage.”
Virginio Corsi, Tour Manager, Spanish Steps
A Moment That Marked Everyone Present
After seven intense days on the trail, when the group finally reached Assisi, exhausted and deeply moved, Fabiola addressed her companions in a heartfelt speech. She thanked them for their effort, patience, and for ensuring she never felt left behind. Her words touched everyone profoundly.
She spoke of how their hands and their steps had carried not only her body but also her spirit, reminding her that the true meaning of a pilgrimage lies in the bonds that accompany us.
Then, almost at once, the group replied with one voice:
“Thank you, Fabiola, because thanks to you, we received much more than we gave.”
And while the electric Joëlette, the guides, and the careful organization all played essential roles, one force stood above them all: the enduring strength of friendship.
“As guides, we always learn something from our groups… this time, with our pilgrims walking to Assisi to celebrate a bond that lasts from decades, we learn the great value of friendship. Technology might help, but only your shared will to walk this Camino together and your shared effort could make it possible! Gracias amigos!”
Spanish Steps Team
Tips for Planning a Walking Journey with Limited Mobility
Choose the right route: Look for accessible sections of classic trails or routes with varied terrain that can be adapted to your needs.
Choose a reliable company with experienced guides: Professional support ensures safety, helps adapt routes day by day, and takes care of detailed logistics such as planning each stage, identifying accessible stops, and arranging transport or support vehicles if needed. Make sure to clearly explain your specific situation and needs in advance, so that organizers can plan every detail carefully and avoid unexpected difficulties.
Use suitable equipment: Devices such as the Joëlette or other trekking wheelchairs allow safe participation on uneven paths.
Train as a team: Practice coordination and communication between helpers before the journey begins.
Balance effort and rest: Schedule shorter stages and frequent breaks to enjoy the experience without strain.
Prioritize shared spirit: The success of the journey depends not only on tools and planning but on empathy, patience, and teamwork.
A Message for Those Who Believe a Walking Pilgrimage Is Out of Reach
Stories like this remind us that a pilgrimage is not reserved only for those who can walk long distances. Even when physical limitations seem to place such experiences out of reach, there are solutions, tools, and people ready to make the journey possible.
With the right support, thoughtful planning, and a team willing to share both effort and emotion, the road can open to everyone.
What matters most is not how many steps each person takes, but the desire to be part of the journey and the willingness of others to walk alongside you.
From a Story Lived to a Journey You Can Walk
The story you have just read was not planned as an example. It simply happened, in the same way so many meaningful moments happen on the Way of St. Francis.
This is the spirit behind our walk to Assisi: a journey where time slows down, where attention matters, and where each person is accompanied with care, step by step, just as they are.
If the Way of St. Francis is calling you, you may recognize yourself in these words.
And if you do, know that this journey is waiting to be walked.
