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.
Date |
Name of the Friars |
Events |
Year |
02 |
Arulsamy A. Mesia Elias Moses M. Arvind Kerketta Benedict Gomes |
Ordination Ordination Ordination Ordination |
1991 1999 2005 2008 |
03 |
Charles Arulanandam Alwyn D’ Souza |
Birth Ordination |
1978 2006 |
04 |
Davis Kallookaran Tommy T.J. Arockiasamy P. Thomas Manakuzhiyil Saji P. Mathew Arun Devasia Nattalil Roshan Lobo Francis Michael Velcy Barreto |
Birth Birth Ordination Ordination Ordination Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Birth |
1950 1959 2002 2004 2004 2017 2017 1992 |
05 |
Mathew Koottumkal Jesu Maharajah G. Peter Saleth Nathan J. Andrew Thomas |
Ordination Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Birth |
1999 2010 2010 1997 |
06 |
Jayaseelan P.R. Fulgence Ekka Thaddeus Baxla + Leopold Vaz Xavier Durairaj Manoj Xalxo Baikim Chadra Minj |
Birth Ordination Ordination Home Ordination Ordination Ordination |
1970 1997 1997 2000 2009 2012 2012 |
07 |
Vincent Soosai Salim Baxla Augustine Tirkey A.J.Mathew Joseph Bipin Kishore Kandulna Ushar Kachhua |
Ordination Ordination Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1999 2011 2017 2017 2017 2017 |
08 |
Julius Arul Rayan Robin Lakra Ajith Kerketta Shanborlang Wartde |
Ordination Ordination Ordination Solemn Vows |
2004 2007 2011 2017 |
09 |
Joy K.D. Fabianus Toppo Deen Dayal |
Birth Ordination Birth |
1970 2008 1983 |
10 |
+ Clement Griffith Alwyn D’ Souza Lourdu Augustine Hemant Xess |
Home Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Ordination |
1950 2001 2001 2006 |
11 |
Gabriel Mathias Joseph Raj M. Baptist D’ Souza Praveen Henry D’ Souza Salim Baxla Ajit Kerketta Anil Xalxo Anil Xalxo |
Ordination Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Ordination |
1974 2003 2003 2003 2008 2008 2008 2011 |
12 |
Ignatius Baa Fulgence Ekka Jose Palimattom + Baptist van de Sande Vilas Baptist Correia Salvador D’Souza |
Birth Solemn Vows Ordination Home Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1970 1994 1999 2001 2007 2007 |
13 |
Shaju Paliyathil Jesu Maharajah G. |
Birth Ordination |
1967 2012 |
14 |
Kulandaisamy M. Felix Vijay M. Nijil Chiramel Leos Ekka Malom-Noatoli – Church Simon A. |
Birth Birth Birth Ordination Blessing Ordination |
1958 1983 1986 1994 2006 2011 |
15 |
Alwyn D’ Souza Mukti Prakash Ekka Fabianus Toppo Baptist D’Souza Santosh Ekka |
Birth Ordination Solemn Vows Ordination Ordination |
1975 2004 2005 2007 2010 |
16 |
Simon Pinto + Paul Ryan + Egbert Barnes Jerome Kispotta Prasad Papabathuni Joy K.D. Naveen George + Bala Sundar Raj Peter Shashikanth Reddy G. |
Birth Home Home Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Ordination Home Birth |
1952 1958 1985 1994 1995 1995 2011 2011 1996 |
17 |
Balthazar Pinto Anthony Pushparaj Arokiam John Charles Arulanandam |
Ordination Ordination Ordination Ordination |
1990 2007 2007 2007 |
18 |
Bryan Carneiro Arvind Kerketta |
Birth Solemn Vows |
1969 2003 |
19 |
Shaji Nicholas Vadachery Jugal Kishore Lakra |
Ordination Solemn Vows |
1999 2002 |
20 |
+ Thomas Province - INDIA Bernardine of Siena Matthew Koottumkal Jayaseelan P.R. Jamesmon P.C. Thomas A. Joy Valooran Sushil Beck Joy (George) Sebastian Xavier Durairaj Santosh Ekka John Sekar Alangara Boniface |
Foundation Feast Birth Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Ordination Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Birth |
1948
1977 1998 1998 1998 1998 1999 2001 2007 2007 2007 2007 1989 |
21
|
Thaddeus Baxla Ajit Kumar Dung Dung Lalith Kujur |
Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Ordination |
1995 2006 2012 |
22 |
Guwahati Mission Sandesh Manuel Balaswamy Gundiga Benedict Gomes Vijay kAmirtharaj A. |
Foundation Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1996 2004 2005 2005 2005 |
23 |
Anthony Alex Martis |
Solemn Vows |
2004 |
24 |
Dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis Pradeep Kalliath |
Feast
Solemn Vows |
2004 |
25 |
Jose Palimattom Sleeva Reddy Vincent Soosai Matthew Koottumkal Johnson M.V. Shaji Nicholas Vadachery Joy Valooran Tojy Mandapathil Mesia Elias Moses M. Anthony Roobandass A. Arokiam John Charles Arulanandam |
Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1990 1990 1990 1990 1991 1991 1991 1991 1991 2004 2004 2004 |
27 |
Basil Lobo Varghese Lakra |
Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
2001 2007 |
28 |
Jerome Kispotta Fulgence Ekka Cajetan Lourenco Francis Agnelo Rozario Sagaya Soosairaj Singarayar A. Prasad Papabathuni Thaddeus Baxla Joy K.D. Assisi Bhavan, Chippilithode Phyrnai Lyngdoh Madhu Sudhan Reddy Deen Dayal Nathaniel vTirkey Jesu Raja A. Johnvinzen Lyngdoh Teiborlang Wartde Rajasekhar Reddy Gopu |
Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Blessing Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1988 1988 1988 1988 1988 1988 1988 1989 1989 2006 2014 2014 2014 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 |
29 |
Varghese Sebastian Scaria Varanath Thomas M.M. Dayanand Bala Marneni Paul Kallan John Chrysostom Regi Matthew |
Entry Entry Entry Entry Ordination Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1970 1970 1970 1970 1990 1993 1993 2003 |
30 |
Gregory Fernandes Fidelis D’ Lima Augustine Pinto Sidney J.M. Nicholas D’ Souza James Kallarackan Charles Mathew Kolanchery Joy Prakash Gabriel Mathias Amaladass Manickam Jayaseelan P.R. Jamesmon P.C. Thomas A. Tom John Arockiasamy P. Cajetan Lourenco Francis Agnelo Rozario Sagaya Soosairaj Singarayar A. Irudayaraj Fernando Austin Francis Mukti Prakash Ekka Francis Xavier Wilson Paul Nattalil Basil S. Lobo Thomas M.J. Julius Arul Rayan Alwyn D’Souza Sushil Beck Saji P. Mathew Lourdu Augustine Shaju Paliyathil Bryan Carneiro Ignatius Baa Regi Matthew Bhaskar Reddy Tomy Palackal Benjamin Jojo Joseph Raj M. Baptist D’ Souza Anthony Alex Martis Jugal Kishore Lakra Anthony Pushparaj Praveen Henry D’ Souza Michael Anand Kulandaisamy M. Arvind Kerketta Hemant Xess Pradeep Kalliath Anthony Roobandass Arun Junes A. Balaswamy Gundiga Robin Lakra Arokiam John Charles Arulanandam Sandesh Manuel Benedict Gomes Vijay Amirtharaj A. Salim Baxla Ajit Kumar Dung Dung Francis Xavier Thomas M.J. Saji P. Mathew Joy (George) Sebastian Xavier Durairaj Varghese Lakra Santosh Ekka Salvador D’Souza John Sekar Ajit Kerketta Anil Xalxo Simon A. Naveen George Lalith Kujur Tony Marshall Vijay Minj Manoj Xalxo Baikim Chandra Minj Prashanth Wilson Fernandes Jesu Maharaja G. Peter Saleth Nathan J. Prem Kumar D’ Souza Stephen Lamin Gashnga Jayapal Dwarakonda Joseph Stephen Vinoth Robin Sahaya Dhas J. Praveen Roshan Toppo Felix Vijay Eugene A. Jeddu Praveen Chinna Reddy Nijil Chiramel Joseph Prasanna Kumar Pasala Showri Raju Christopher Phyrnai Lyngdoh Basil Tirkey Vinod Kujur Madhu Sudan Reddy Francis Arokiasamy M. Thumma Ranjith Kumar Reddy Deen Dayal Prashanth Wilson Fernandes Nathaniel Tirkey + Valerian Quadros Jesu Raja A. Johnvinzen Lyngdoh Teiborlang Wartde Shanborlang Wartde Rajasekhar Reddy Gopu Augustine Tirkey A.J.Mathew Joseph Bipin Kishore Kandulna Arun Devasia Nattalil Roshan Lobo Ushar Kachhua Salvador Drego Anand Suresh Minj Emmanuel Christopher N. Anto Leo Martin Sangma Clinton J. Nideesh M. John Albinus Ekka Prasad Rao Kasu Eliyas Reddy Stephen Arun Thomas Kiren Vineet Kerketta Silash Panna Nicolas Marak Adarsh Y. Deepak Kumar Rajesh Praveen Kumar Avinash Kujur Alphone Velankanni Abhishek M. Anmol Bara Akshay Showry Raj Ejekial Lakra Francis Michael Velcy Barretto Henry Jose Ibrahim G Momin Joseph Raj Kalyan Kurmar Manish Ekka Marius Dahanga Nichol John Ravi Bara Salun Kispotta Sujit Ganji Alangara Boniface Anthony Joseph archer Pradeep Anthony L. Jacob Tani Gali Bal Reddy T.S Leo Max Joseph Kishan Niranjan Toppo Peter Shashikanth Reddy G. Ankit Kumar Baghel Niraj Kumar Tirkey Nelson Toppo Avinash Toppo Andrew Thomas Justin Savio A. Felix A. |
Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Solemn Vows Entry Home Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry Entry |
1956 1958 1961 1961 1966 1968 1968 1968 1968 1978 1992 1992 1992 1993 1993 1994 1994 1994 1994 1994 1994 1994 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 1999 1999 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004 2004 2004 2004 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2009 2009 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 |
31 |
Gregory Fernandes Fidelis D’Lima Agnel D’Mello Augustine Pinto Sidney J.M Salim Joseph Nicholas D’Souza James Kallarackan Charles Mathew Kolanchery Joy Prakash Gabriel Mathias Varghese Sebastian Scaria Varanath Thomas M.M. Dayanand Alphonse Moras Gerald Lobo Simon Pinto Paul K.L. Davis Kallookaran Lawrence Simon Arok Sundar Sebastian Dharma L. Bernard Johnson M.V. Shaji Nicholas Vadachery Joy Valooran Mesia Elias Moses M. Irudayaraj Fernando Austin Francis Anthony Pushparaj Simon A. Naveen George Tony Marshall Lalith Kujur Manoj Xalxo Baikim Chandra Minj Vijay Minj |
Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Birth Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows Solemn Vows |
1960 1962 1965 1965 1965 1965 1970 1972 1972 1972 1972 1974 1974 1974 1975 1976 1976 1976 1976 1977 1977 1977 1978 1997 1997 1997 1997 2000 2000 2003 2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 |
