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. Br. Saji Mathew, the Vicar Provincial, 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.
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.”
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. 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.”
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.
