An Eight-Month Online Course

With Isha Das

Eight hundred years ago, Francis of Assisi consciously embraced an inspired pilgrimage home to God. Steep societal changes raged: wars erupted in Europe and the Holy Land, chaotic weather patterns destroyed crops, the rich ignored the growing number of the poor, and corrupt war lords fought each other for control.


Likewise, the entire human race is on a pilgrimage to God, whether they know it or not. Then as now, our pilgrimage is fraught with all of the same conditions that surrounded Francis. But through all of the danger of his age, Francis found his soul and became a beacon of God’s light in the midst of great darkness. 


We can do the same, finding serenity, courage, and purpose no matter what is going on around us, by following the path that Francis took.

Registration is open. Class begins on Tuesday, October 14 at 7 pm ET

Please email questions to [email protected].

I am pleased to invite you to participate in an eight-month online course exploring Francis' heroic journey.

Through his trials and triumphs, we will uncover our own capacity to rise above the sea of shadows that threatens us. Interestingly, the word "Assisi" comes from the old Italian word “ascesi,” which means, “I have risen.” Together, let us rise above fear and anger and help the world in its voyage toward the healing waters of God’s truth, beauty, and goodness. This course is for you if...

  • You are ready to rise above the contagion of angst that so dominates our culture

  • You are longing for the experience of hope instead of despair

  • You yearn for simplicity, peace, and joy

  • You desire the blessings of community

  • You aspire to nurture your conscious contact with God

  • You seek to have a deeper understanding of Christ and his message of love

Key Course Components:

  • We will base our study on my new book, Merchant to Mystic: The Heroic Journey of Francis of Assisi. The book may be purchased online on Amazon (starting October 1) or in-person at the Blessing Shop (starting the evening of October 4).


  • At the beginning of each month, I will send a recording to you.


  • On the second Tuesday of each month, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm EST, you will attend a live Zoom session with me to process the video and the material we have read and to support each other. Because each of you will become an integral part of our community, it is crucial that everyone makes these Zoom sessions a high priority. In the event that you must be absent due to illness, the Zoom session will be recorded and available to you. 


  • There will also be an optional and informal Zoom session monthly on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 7:00 - 8:00 PM EST, facilitated by one of the teachers from the Assisi Institute. We will work with the questions in the Reader's Guide (which will be sent to you), share our responses, and support each other. Our first informal class will meet on October 28.


  • Additionally, you will have a free, 60 minute spiritual direction session with me as part of the course. 


  • I am offering a free webinar on Tuesday evening, October 7, at 7 pm. I will introduce the book, share what is at the heart of Francis' teaching, and answer any questions you may have about Francis or this course. Register here for a zoom link.

Registration is open. Class begins on Tuesday, October 14 at 7 pm ET

Please email questions to [email protected].

Registration Options

The cost of the course is $100 per month, with a total cost of $800. If you pay in advance, the total cost is $700. All proceeds help to support the mission of the Assisi Institute. Scholarship assistance is available. Please write us at [email protected] for details.

Isha Das

Spiritual Director

Craig Bullock (Isha Das) is an accomplished teacher, writer, lecturer, psychotherapist, and spiritual director of The Assisi Institute in Rochester, New York. A former pastoral administrator at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Rochester, Isha Das earned graduate degrees in Religious Studies from the University of Notre Dame and Clinical Psychology from the University of Duquesne. His education includes extensive study in psychology, spirituality, mysticism, world religions, and yoga. He counts Richard Rohr among his lifelong friends and mentors. Isha Das was made a minister and official Kriya Yoga teacher by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. His latest book is Merchant to Mystic: The Heroic Journey of Francis of Assisi.