News & Events

Franciscan Youth Meet 2023

FRANCISCAN YOUTH IN INDIA: BECOMING JOYFUL WITNESSES OF THE GOSPEL

(Franciscan Youth Meet -2023, Hyderabad-India)

The youth are the lifeline of the Church today! This is not just a cliché but a resounding truth, as exemplified by the convergence of approximately 350 young individuals, along with 30 Friars from Franciscan Parishes and nine Postulants from across India. Under the guidance of the Province Secretariat of Mission and Evangelization, the Fraternity of Shalom Friary, together with the Parish Youth of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Hyderabad, India, hosted the Second Edition of the Franciscan Youth Meet (FRAYME 2023) from October 21 to October 23, 2023, with the theme: "Imitate Christ and Rebuild the Church."

Br. Praveen Henry D 'Souza, the Host Parish Priest, spoke about the importance of FRAYME 2023: "The youth, exuding vibrancy and confident energy in their faith in Christ and the Church, play a significant role in imitating Christ and rebuilding the Church. The limitless enthusiasm of the youth needs to be channelled within the Church, providing them with formation and mission opportunities so they can excel in sustaining a youthful and attractive Church."

The Parish Campus was bustling with activities throughout these three days, and the youth carried home unforgettable memories of well-spent days. Commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Rule and Greccio, the display of related images conveyed the message that the year 2023 held special significance for all the admirers of St. Francis.

Invoking the presence of God in their midst, the gathering commenced with a Praise and Worship Service. The flags, each representing a parish, were brought in a procession led by the San Damiano Cross, accompanied by the statue of St. Francis and the Book of the Gospels.

Br. Saji Mathew, the Vicar Provincial, delivered the keynote address, inviting the youth to wholeheartedly embrace the theme of the gathering: "Imitate Christ and Rebuild the Church." He encouraged the youth to make Jesus Christ their role model and to actively participate in the crucial task of rebuilding the Church, a pressing need of our times.

Various resource persons from diverse fields shared their expertise, providing inspirational insights to the youth. They encouraged the young participants to rediscover the essence of Christ, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Clare of Assisi in their lives and to become spiritually rejuvenated to continue serving as the lifeblood of the Church in today's world.

The participants were divided into different groups, with the friars serving as facilitators, guiding them through personal sharing sessions. The friars also shared their own stories of vocation. Ms. Rita, a youth from Bengaluru, Karnataka, shared her thoughts, saying, "I was deeply moved by the vocation stories of the Friars and found inspiration in how God can shape people's lives and call them to a particular way of life."

In addition to the input sessions, the youth were fully engaged in various creative activities, including a fashion show, a tug of war competition, and a presentation of the theme through art. Reflecting on these activities, Mr. Harris, a youth hailing from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, remarked, "The sessions, especially the creative activities, were incredibly engaging. They weren't just competitions; they were moments of joy and togetherness with youths from various parishes. It's an experience I'll always cherish."

A deeply touching moment during the gathering occurred on the evening of October 22, 2023, with a prayer session. The Rosary Procession, accompanied by the glow of candles and the presence of sacred images of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Anthony of Padua, provided a profoundly spiritual experience of God's presence and the companionship of the saints.

Br. Ralbin, who was present for FRAYME, shared his sentiment, stating, "I was genuinely moved by the heartfelt gesture of the youth extending their hands to bless all the friars, and in turn, we had the privilege of blessing them."

The fact that October 23rd coincided with Mission Sunday added a significant layer of meaning to the event. On this day, the youth, through their participation in the gathering, pledged to "Imitate Christ and Rebuild the Church," emphasizing the importance of their mission and commitment to the Church's renewal. Br. Dominic, Secretary for Mission and Evangelization, passionately called upon the youth to step forward and consider becoming missionaries within the contexts of their own lives. More than a dozen young individuals came to the altar, offering themselves to the mission of God and the mission of the Church. Through prayers and blessings, they were sent forth as individuals "called to be missionaries" in this world.

Br. Dominic's closing words were a compelling call to action: "Say yes to God's calling. God is calling, and we must respond positively to herald a new era for the Church. St. Francis set the example, becoming a joyful witness of the Gospel in response to his calling. In the same way, God is calling, right here and right now."

The youth were encouraged to provide their feedback on FRAYME 2023, and leaders from various regions stepped forward to express their thoughts. They were deeply impressed by the warm hospitality and the gentle, kind treatment they received from the hosts. They also appreciated the topics discussed and the well-thought-out plans. The youth expressed their gratitude to the friars for organizing the event and requested that it be held regularly.

They acknowledged the immense value of such gatherings in their faith journey, as they had the opportunity to meet youth from diverse cultures, regions, and backgrounds, forming new friendships in the process. Some even suggested extending the duration of the meeting by an additional day or two.

Br. Chinna, the Guardian of Shalom Friary and Fraternity, along with Br. Praveen D'Souza, the Parish Priest, and the Pastoral Team, as well as the Parish Youth of St. Francis of Assisi Church, deserve our utmost appreciation and praise for their meticulous planning and efficient execution of FRAYME 2023. The baton for the next FRAYME has been passed on to St. Anthony's Friary Parish in Bengaluru. With the eagerness and high expectations already generated for the next event, the youth returned to their homes, looking forward to what lies ahead.

The Friars and Parish Youth of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ramnagar, Hyderabad, under the leadership of Fr. Praveen D’ Souza OFM, Parish Priest hosted the Second Edition of the Franciscan Youth Meet (FRAYME 2023), bringing together approximately 350 young individuals and 30 Friars from 21 to 23 October 2023. The theme was "Imitate Christ and Rebuild the Church”. The event aimed to channel the boundless enthusiasm of youth into sustaining a vibrant Church. Activities included a Praise and Worship Service, a keynote address by Fr. Saji Mathew OFM, the Vice Provincial, resource persons sharing insights, group sessions, and creative activities. The prayer session with a Rosary Procession was profoundly spiritual. On Mission Sunday, the youth pledged to "Imitate Christ and Rebuild the Church." Several committed to becoming missionaries in their own lives imitating Christ and doing their bit to build the Church of today. Participants appreciated the warm hospitality of the Parish Priests and Youth of St. Francis of Assisi Church and discussed the value of such gatherings in their faith journey. 

Back