Seventh edition of the Franciscan Youth Experience ESSO 2025

From Friday, the 6th June 6 till Sunday the 8th  June 2025, the San Felipe de Jesús Franciscan Youth House of the Province of the Most Holy Trinity of Chile hosted the seventh edition of the Franciscan Youth Experience ESSO ("Spirit of the Lord and His Holy Operation"), an expression used by St. Francis of Assisi to refer to the Holy Spirit.

This experience aims to ensure that young people celebrate the feast of Pentecost with moments of prayer, spaces for formation and reflection, work in fraternity and missionary activities, based on the Franciscan experience of the Spirit of the Lord and his holy operation.

Br. Ronald Villalobos, OFM, head of the Franciscan Youth House, expressed a positive opinion of the experience. "This year 20 young people participated, 9 of whom for the first time at ESSO. They were also accompanied by the seven friars who currently form the fraternity of San Felipe de Jesús."

Regarding the formation spaces, Br. Ronald added that "the experience saw the presence of two friars from our Province of the Most Holy Trinity of Chile, Br. José Manuel Hernández, OFM, with the theme St. Francis and the Holy Spirit (online); and Friar Santiago Andrade, OFM, who spoke about The Presence of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Scriptures," he said.

Diego Ignacio, from the House of Young Franciscans, participated in ESSO for the first time and was overjoyed. "I lived it with an open heart. I went with the desire to give myself completely, to let the Spirit breathe in me too. It was a deeply enriching opportunity to share faith and build fraternity. I could see how all the participants presented themselves with a generous and open attitude, willing to be surprised by what was being proposed to us," he said.

Catalina Leal Arévalo, a member of the Service Team at the House of Young Franciscans - Chapel of St. Philip of Jesus, added that, for some time, Pentecost has had a special character in her life. "It is the culmination of a precious time to deepen the mystery of faith and experience the deepest love. Being there, gathered with our brothers and sisters, just as the apostles experienced it, gave great meaning to this celebration. I also greatly appreciated deepening the way in which Francis perceived this breath; with the heart as a dwelling, capable of working in our lives and always in need of its holy operation", emphasizing that it was also his first time at ESSO. "I hope that this breath will continue to act throughout the year; and do not forget that He is close, very close, in our most intimate center: the heart," he said gratefully.

Finally, Javiera Veas Jiménez, a member of the liturgical team and catechist from the Natividad del Señor parish in the municipality of Navidad, was another first-time participant in ESSO 2025. "It called me to share life with others and to look inside myself. I was able to stop and perceive, admire and contemplate the Lord in the present, in creation, in others and in myself. I felt my young brothers and sisters engaged, happy, and willing, open to the action of the Holy Spirit, happy to be able to share their faith with others, and committed to the Lord and His Church. I would like to invite all young people who have not yet participated to be encouraged to take the time on their journey to live this experience, which will fill them with love, the love of the One who abides forever, which will fill them completely," Javiera expressed gratefully.

ESSO 2025 ended on Sunday with the Mass of Pentecost presided over by Br. Lino Miranda, OFM, Minister Provincial, during which the young people of the Home Service Team renewed their service of welcoming, listening and accompanying the youth community.