Trillium Regional Fraternity
“Gospel living as modeled by St. Francis of Assisi”
Is God Calling You to Journey with St. Francis?
YOUFRA
YouFra is a journey of Franciscan Spirituality for young people attracted by the life of St Francis of Assisi and who seek to deepen their life with God, their understanding of self, of others and the exceptional beauty of creation. YouFra (Franciscan Youth) has existed for more than 40 years in other countries (Italy, Spain, Latin America). Members of YouFra deepen their own vocation or calling in the light of the message of St. Francis by regular meetings where spiritual guidance is given progressively. Discerning God’s call or vocation for your life is the purpose of this journey.
Our prayer is that what you hear and see on this and subsequent pages will inspire you to want to start a YouFra Fraternity, for young adult men and women ages 18 to 30. YouFra is just beginning in Canada and is supported by Secular Franciscans.
For more detailed information see at the bottom of this page and/or contact our Trillium Region Youth Coordinator Lisa Theriault at mailto:[email protected] A list of Youth Contacts from Secular Franciscan Fraternities in your geographical area is also available under
YOUFRA RESOURCES (Bottom of this page)
YouFra is a journey of Franciscan Spirituality for young people attracted by the life of St Francis of Assisi and who seek to deepen their life with God, their understanding of self, of others and the exceptional beauty of creation. YouFra (Franciscan Youth) has existed for more than 40 years in other countries (Italy, Spain, Latin America). Members of YouFra deepen their own vocation or calling in the light of the message of St. Francis by regular meetings where spiritual guidance is given progressively. Discerning God’s call or vocation for your life is the purpose of this journey.
Our prayer is that what you hear and see on this and subsequent pages will inspire you to want to start a YouFra Fraternity, for young adult men and women ages 18 to 30. YouFra is just beginning in Canada and is supported by Secular Franciscans.
For more detailed information see at the bottom of this page and/or contact our Trillium Region Youth Coordinator Lisa Theriault at mailto:[email protected] A list of Youth Contacts from Secular Franciscan Fraternities in your geographical area is also available under
YOUFRA RESOURCES (Bottom of this page)
HEARING THE CALL: Live actors representing the six main characters on the cross that St. Francis found in the old ruined church of San Damiano. From left to right: Mary, Mother of God; John; Jesus on the cross; Mary Magdalene; Mary of Cleopas, and the Centurion.
St. Francis, kneeling before the San Damiano Cross, asked Jesus, “LORD, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME DO?” He heard Jesus answer 3 times: “GO REBUILD MY CHURCH.” Is this your call? - to bring the light of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in the world following the model given by
St. Francis and St. Clare? What is your response?
Essential Franciscan Adult Youth Information Here - Just click on the "download file" to Review
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Let’s hear from some young people who find St. Francis an inspiration:
Reflections From Assisi Pilgrims Summer 2009 First Reflection: Poem by Niki De Souza ASSISI In the steamy heat of a summer's day, the streets burst forth with people of different languages. We make haste to discover new treasures on our way. Is it not in Assisi where we find St Francis' joy and love? Listen to the whistling of the air through the trees, these peaceful sounds speak, of heaven above. Our feet pound the pavement, muscles burn from contracting; we are climbing the soft stone streets of this city. Hearts beating warmly from so many scenes attracting. Gazing downward from this mountain green with vegetation, farmers plow their fields as the earth is waiting to be worked in. All the shades of green arranged in God's good presentation. Mountains line the horizon with a bluish stare. Beyond these heights is God's power, in awe our souls become aware. The air covers the mountains and lines them with mist. The sky is pastel blue and broad, light radiates through the clouds, in a way one can't resist. O Assisi, precious home of my saint, your creation moves me softly, with pictures I could never paint. I praise you Lord God, for this beautiful creation! I'm thankful to be able to see St Francis' inspiration. Second Reflection: Letter from Caitlynn Rainey
Dear friends, Our trip to Assisi was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Not only did we get to learn a lot about the life of St. Francis, but we had the chance to make life long friendships with people from around the world. Experiencing the Italian culture was full of surprises as we ate and drank like pure Italians, and admired the beautiful surroundings wherever we traveled to. Our journey to Italy allowed me to find peace within myself, discover who I really am, and become closer to God. Everyday we had the chance to think about and pray for our intentions, and having the feeling that we were so closely connected to God was just incredible. Being there for one week made it possible to socialize and take part in social activities with other countries, as we built trusting friendships with them. If I had to choose my most favorite part about the trip, I don't think I could because everyday was filled with new and exciting experiences that enlightened my life. Sincerely, Caitlynn Rainey Bracebridge, Ontario. SURF THE FRANCISCAN TURF
Website Listings www.ciofs.org/youfra.htm www.franciscanyouthusa.com www.franciscanvolunteerministry.org http://www.ofm.org/secfran/ www.franciscansinternational.org www.franciscanandfriends.com www.franciscorps.org www.franciscanmissionaryunion.ca www.franciscans.org www.capuchinoutreach.org poorclare.org www.gifra.org ON FACEBOOK YouFra Canada on Facebook Catholic Franciscan Young Adults Youfra Ontario Canada on Facebook MOVIES From Ignatius Press:
St. Francis, St. Anthony, Clare & Francis, Padre Pio, Francis of Assisi, The Flowers of St. Francis |
Third Reflection From Cap-De-La Madeleine Pilgrimage, July' 2010 Aaron, from P.E.I., shares: “…To see folks my own age speaking with the conviction we all strive for… was a large inspiration to me. …I knew in my heart that there was something there for me, whether it was a new friend or a reaffirmed faith. All I could do was show up and much to my surprise I believe I received a little of both those things. I feel like this opportunity for YOUFRA is a big one, a chance for young folks to see importance of community and my wish is to see YOUFRA help bridge this ever increasing gap between the religious community and the spiritual community that is so very present in the Canadian youth. ANSWER THE CALL: Can you hear the call in a world such as ours? Check out the YouTube video below. See & hear real people talk about why & how they answered the call to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis. Check out FACE TO FACE with Friars @ Franciscan media: Our Stories at: www.franciscans.org Francis gave up all that he owned and decided to rely only on God our Father to provide for his mission or calling to go and repair God’s house! He married Lady Poverty!
He put on a rough brown robe tied with a rope and went barefoot. He begged for whatever he needed. When shared what he received with the Poor. He felt compelled to live more like Jesus. For a while, Francis repaired church buildings, including San Damiano, where he heard his call to serve. After rebuilding three church, he realized that the Church, the house of God, was not just a building but the people of God, living stones. Sound familiar? This began his preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ everywhere he traveled. He encouraged people to change their hearts and return to God, who first loved them! Francis’ joy and gentleness touched many people! As a result, many people wanted to be like Francis. They joined Francis and with the approval of Pope Innocent III became the Friars Minor. When Clare wanted to follow Francis, he encouraged her to start her own order. She is the first woman in Church history to have a Rule approved for her Sisters, the Poor Clares. Lay people also wanted to follow Francis. This was the beginning of the Third Order, known today as the Secular Franciscans. (lay people, single or married, living in the world, modeling their lives after St. Francis) Francis called God’s creatures his brothers and sisters. He would even move worms off the road so that they wouldn’t be crushed! Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Francis composed many prayers and songs, his best known being called The Canticle of Brother Sun. St. Francis was the first to make a life-size scene of the first Christmas using real people and live animals. He also began the devotion of praying the Stations of the Cross. Before he died, St. Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side. He is the first human being ever recorded to have received this privilege. Jeremiah 1:7: “And the Lord said to me, (Jeremiah) “Do not say, “I am too young” For you will go forth to everyone to whom I will send you. And you will speak all that I will command you!” YOUFRA RESOURCES HERE
Trillium Regional Youth Contacts
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Canadian Food For Children: started by Secular Franciscans Dr. Andrew Simone (triathlon athlete) & his wife Joan. They began in 1985 and welcome people, of all ages to volunteer in the warehouse, located at 1258 Lakeshore Rd. East, Mississauga, Ont. Contact Loretta Antonacci at [email protected] to arrange helping the Poor receive needed goods in 20+ countries around the world.
St. Francis loved all of creation, which includes all people in the world. Our brothers and sisters need our gifts and resources so that they can have basic necessities. ONE WORLD, ONE FAMILY –this is Dr. Simone’s motto and witness of Franciscan spirituality. Challenge your friends, family, Parish members to serve the poor through CCFC. Collect 5 key items: Iodized salt; shoes; peanut butter; soap and flour. NO ONE IS PAID. ALL ARE VOLUNTEERS!!! This is an awesome opportunity to live out Matthew 25:40, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, that you do unto me!” GOSPEL TO LIFE & LIFE TO GOSPEL. This is the call to action!
Brother John’s favourite question is “Is everybody happy?” It brings a smile to all those who hear him because we all want to be happy!!! God wants us to be happy- happy preparing food in the kitchen, happy serving food, and happy treating our brothers and sisters with dignity as we converse with them. “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-40) St. Francis lived a life of gratitude and a life full of joy, despite hard times. St. Francis is a witness of Christ’s light to our neighbour.
May St. Francis’ life teach us how and where to shine Christ’s light . How did he do it? He learned the Gospel, responded to the Gospel and witnessed to the Gospel. May we do likewise. That is the daily challenge. God’s plan for you will unfold with grace. St. Francis prayed, “I have done what is mine to do, may God teach you what is yours to do!”
FrancisCorps-opportunities to serve in New York & Costa Rica - www.franciscans.org/franciscorp.cfm
Gospel-Radical eh? Read it. Think it. Pray it. Live it Not enough to simply know the words of scripture or to hear them. Francis wanted, with his whole heart, to live the Word
Filled with faith in God's Word, opened the Bible 3 times in the Church of St. Nicholas to find out what God had in mind for him and his new brothers. The saying “Preach the Gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.” was inspired by St. Francis, who made Christ, the Word made Flesh, the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people CHECK OUT Catholic Christian Outreach Bible Faith Studies. Great for small groups!! Social Justice-the Gospel in action! WWFD (What would Francis do?) St. Francis lived the Beatitudes The following organizations affiliated with the Franciscan Family, are opportunities to put your CALL INTO ACTION. Franciscan Volunteer Ministries: www.franciscanvolunteerministry.org Based in Philadelphia, PA, one 23 year old woman found that the Franciscan tradition offered everything that she was looking for in volunteer service: community, spirituality, service and living simply. "Franciscans tend to emphasize social justice and living among the people you are serving.” The SAN DAMIANO CROSS
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