“When I have asked people what they know about Saint Francis, they usually reply with something like, ‘He liked animals’. Thank you, Teresa, for showing that he is so much more. Yes, he recognized that we and all creatures have a common Creator, but he profoundly loved our Eucharistic Lord, brought back into men’s hearts the reality of God becoming man in the Child Jesus, and, contemplating the Lord’s Passion wept that ‘Love is not loved!’ Teresa’s book will help you to meet the true Saint of Assisi as you visit the places associated with him and ponder the events of his life.”

— Fr. Joseph M. Wolfe, MFVA, EWTN Chaplain & Chapel Dean

“Teresa Tomeo’s latest book, Italy’s Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces and Fascinating Places in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, offers more than information about Italy’s beloved patron and the charming cities that hold Franciscan treasures. It offers Catholic formation! I’ve been to so many Franciscan sites, each one possessing so much inspiration. It can honestly be overwhelming. This book helps to organize, inspire and educate your personal (and pilgrimage group’s) exploration into the life of this Seraphic Doctor of the Church!  It’s worth a read, whether you’re planning a trip or just a true devotee of St. Francis and the Franciscan spirituality.”

— Fr. Leo E. Patalinghug, IVDei, Creator, Founder, Author, Speaker & Multimedia Host

“Teresa Tomeo’s Italy’s Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred and Fascinating Places in the Life of Saint Francis of Assisi is perfectly timed for the Franciscan Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis. Teresa’s book is a delightful, enjoyable, and informative guide to the land of one of the world’s most beloved saints. Reading the book brings back vivid memories of my own pilgrimages to Assisi and inspires me to walk once again in the footsteps of Il Poverello, especially the “fascinating places in the life of Saint Francis” I have not visited.  This is a must read and essential tool for anyone who intends to journey to this most hallowed ground. San Francesco Vive!”

— Rev. Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, Rector, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, D.C.

“Teresa Tomeo’s Italy’s Shrines and Wonders is far more than a travel guide; it is a spiritual invitation to walk alongside one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church. This book rescues St. Francis from sentimentality and reveals the real Francis—a radical disciple of Jesus Christ, pierced by the Gospel, humbled before the Eucharist, and completely surrendered to God’s will. By journeying through Assisi and the sacred places of Umbria where Francis lived and prayed, readers are invited not only to admire his life, but to imitate his love for Christ.”

— Fr. Frankie Cicero, Pastor, St. Timothy Parish, Diocese of Phoenix

“Teresa Tomeo’s latest book, “Italy’s Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces and Fascinating Places in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi,” is a spiritual treasure chest written with her undying passion for all things Italian, focusing here on Italy’s celebrated Saint Francis in this Jubilee Year marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Among the treasures offered are precisely those “Sacred Spaces and Fascinating Places” in the life of Francis, a counter-cultural life of humility, poverty, solitude and yet great joy, a life that resonated across cultures and religions, making him a “saint without borders.” More than buildings, chapels and works of art, the treasures of this book include the pearls of Francis’ spiritual wisdom, the gold of a tested and proven faith, the silver that symbolizes purification and sanctification. The multi-colored jewels in this treasure chest are the beauty of creation (Brother Sun, Sister Moon), virtues and spiritual gifts, the “treasures in heaven” that Francis preached, and the stigmata, the “ultimate jewels.”  For St. Francis, the true treasure chest was filled with the world itself, seen through the lens of faith, love and divine grace.”

— Joan Lewis, EWTN Senior Contributor, Host of Joan’s Rome and Vatican Insider

“Teresa Tomeo not only speaks with authority, she is a master storyteller. She takes the reader on a journey, visiting the historic places where Saint Francis of Assisi left his mark. More importantly, we are beckoned to envision those places where Christ left his mark on Francis.

She makes the reader feel as though they are with her as she travels about three regions of Italy. Whether it is the sanctuary dedicated to Our Blessed Mother in Umbria, or the places where Francis rebuilt churches, Tomeo invites us to share with her in these momentous events.

We learn how this man from a wealthy family traveled near and far, took up arms, tamed wolves and experienced a dramatic conversion. His encounter with a leper allowed him to see Jesus in him, transforming his own life. He became a new man.

Tomeo has just the right touch when she explains how Jesus spoke to Francis, asking him to “repair my house.” He proceeded to do just that, sacrificing his lifestyle and committing himself to the poor. He later received the Stigmata, the first saint to do so, seeking to share in the Lord’s Passion.

Tomeo knows how to engage the reader. When discussing Francis’ conversion, she talks about her own. Her sincerity shines through, making this much more than a travel book—it is a moving testimony of the power of her faith. It is also a joy to read.”

— Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

“My earliest memory of St. Francis of Assisi comes from my father, who loved the saint deeply—especially his prayer of peace, humility, and self‑gift. My father admired St. Francis as the model of a peacemaker, someone who put others before himself and lived the Gospel with simplicity and courage. His devotion was so profound that when he passed away, we honored him by placing the Prayer of St. Francis on the back of his memorial card. It was his way of continuing to share the saint he loved with everyone who came to pay their respects.

In this beautiful book, Teresa Tomeo becomes a personal guide into the life, spirituality, and sacred places of St. Francis. With her characteristic warmth, insight, and deep love for Italy, she invites readers on a pilgrimage of the heart—one that not only illuminates the life of this beloved saint but stirs a longing to encounter him more personally. Teresa’s storytelling and spiritual reflections make Assisi come alive in such a vivid and meaningful way that I am certain readers will finish this book with a renewed devotion to St. Francis and a desire to place a pilgrimage to Assisi on their own bucket list.

A moving tribute to a saint who continues to shape lives—and a beautiful companion for anyone seeking peace, purpose, and deeper faith.”

— Vanessa Denha Garmo, Founder, Epiphany Communications; Emmy Award-Winning “Communications Evangelist”; “Epiphany” Radio Show Host

“Teresa Tomeo is synonymous with a love of all things Italy: its food, art, geography, people and, most of all, the Italian saints! As always, Teresa has published an incredibly beautiful work with a fresh perspective on one of the greatest saints of the Catholic Church. Through this latest book on Italy, Teresa introduces us to a very relatable and human St. Francis. Rather than a distant figure from long ago, we meet St. Francis in all his humanity through his life pre-conversion, during conversion, and following his profound conversion. Through these encounters with Francis’s life, Teresa walks us through the stunning places associated with his fantastic journey to Christ. And as we journey in the footsteps of St. Francis, we are called to consider and expedite our own conversion story. Rather than the unhelpful but typical romanticizing of a saint out of touch with the rigors of today’s life, we meet in the gritty physical and spiritual journey of St. Francis, who meets us where we are and invites us on his journey to Christ.

Most of St. Francis’ story takes place in one of the most inviting regions of Italy: Umbria. The story of St. Francis is inextricably woven into the fabric of this region, and a deep dive visit could never disappoint, but Teresa, through her years of both reporting on humanity and studying and living in Italy, provides a fascinating perspective. My wife, Kristan, and I thank Teresa and Dom for their friendship and collaboration, which has been one of the greatest blessings of our personal and professional lives. It is a great privilege for which we are so grateful to collaborate with Teresa and Dom to bring the story of the saints, and in a particular way, St. Francis’s story, to our mutual guests who travel with us. BRAVA Teresa, and thank you for your steadfast intuition into our need-to-know St. Francis and his region of Italy better.”

— John Hale, President, Corporate Travel, Inc.

“In Italy’s Shrines and Wonders Volume II, Teresa Tomeo invites readers on a breathtaking pilgrimage through the magnificent Umbrian hills, quiet hermitages, and sacred chapels that shaped the life of St. Francis of Assisi. With her contagious enthusiasm and lively storytelling, Teresa brings these holy places vividly to life, allowing you to walk the winding stone streets of Assisi, pause in hidden mountain retreats, and encounter the profound simplicity of the saint who changed the world.

Blending rich history, spiritual reflection, and practical travel insight, Teresa transforms each destination into more than a stop on a map—it becomes an invitation to deeper faith, wonder, and gratitude for God’s presence in the beauty of creation. Every page reminds us that the path of St. Francis—marked by humility, joy, and awe before God—is still waiting to be discovered.

Teresa’s love for Italy, the Church, the “Poor Man” of Assisi, and the Poor Clares foundress St. Clare shines on every page, inviting you to see these holy places—and perhaps your own faith journey—with fresh wonder.”

— Kelly Wahlquist, Founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization and Author. Kelly and Teresa lead “WINE & Shrine Women’s Pilgrimages through Italy” each year.