International Meeting of the YouFra (Franciscan Youth) at the 2023 WYD in Lisbon

On July 31, 2023 at the "Externato da luz" in Lisbon, Our General Minister together with the other First Order General Ministers (OFMConv, OFM), the General Minister of the Third Order Regulars, and the IFC-TOR President gave a reflection at the International Franciscan Youth Meeting as part of World Youth Day.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of fraternity and open dialog with a focus on the theme of the Franciscan Centenaries. Our General Minister Br. Roberto Genuin spoke about the Centenary of the Rule, which we are commemorating this year. He said that “what Francis proposes is a great daily plan for relationships, life and freedom.”  Moreover, he recalled the beauty of following Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis and the freedom this entails for our lives. But also, the responsibility and challenges that this entails since the Rule "is not for children or puppets, but for people who know how to be free." With the help of brothers, it is possible to translate the Gospel dream into our very lives. Br. Roberto concluded by encouraging young people to get out of their comfort zone and become a living gospel, like Mary, who got up and quickly set out. “You too, then, proclaim the gospel of encounter and joy; indeed, I challenge you even more to become a living gospel and a beautiful announcement of the life of Jesus. Bring to bear your humanity upon the earth by creating bonds of fraternity and friendship. Join in the song of the Virgin Mary as she proclaims the greatness of the Most High God. Get up and set off quickly on your way, just as she did.”

The meeting with the General Ministers concluded with an opportunity for the young people to ask about us as Franciscans, and the path that the Lord is calling us to at the present time. This was followed by lunch with the young people participating in the YouFra International Meeting.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/c4yLTfhNnCU 

 

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