On May 1-4, 2025, the 10th Annual Franciscan Youth Day was held at Casa Kolbe in Caçapava, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The theme of the event was: “…With All Your Creatures.”
More than sixty young people participated. They came from Conventual Franciscan parishes in cities where the friars are present, namely: Santo André, Caçapava, Mogi das Cruzes, Santa Bárbara D’Oeste, Curitiba, Guaraniaçu and Paraíba do Sul.
The event began on May 1st with a welcome lunch, followed by a formation session led by Friar Reinaldo Azevedo DA SILVA, titled “Guardians of Creation.” Afterward, the youth attended Mass, participated in group discussions, and were introduced to the various fraternities. The day was further enriched with a fraternal conversation with the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Brazil, Friar José Hugo DA SILVA SANTOS, and concluded with Eucharistic Adoration.
The second day began with Mass presided over by Friar Gustavo Ionas ROCHA DE MEDEIROS. Afterwards, the youth went out on mission, evangelizing in the streets of the city, with a meet-up point at Praça da Bandeira (Flag Square). In the afternoon, the theme was further explored through workshops led by Friars Reinaldo, Gustavo, Alexandre PATUCCI DE LIMA, Ricardo Elvis ARRUDA BEZERRA, and Sister Angélica ISCMSF (Secular Institute of Missionary Catechists of St. Francis of Assisi). The day ended with a retrospective of previous editions of the Youth Day, presented by Friar Flávio Martins VENÂNCIO, followed by a lively performance by the band “The Freis” and the “Balada da Jornada.”
The third day opened with Mass and a formation session on the Canticle of the Creatures, followed by some reflection time and fraternal conversation. In the afternoon, the participants experienced a deep, prayerful Laudato Si’ Moment, including a “prayer before creation,” inspired by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis’ call for integral ecology. The day ended with the traditional Fraternal Evening, filled with joy, fellowship, and featuring the symbolic Franciscan bonfire.
The final day was devoted to evaluating the event and holding a plenary discussion session, during which the participants reflected on their experiences and offered suggestions. The gathering concluded with Mass presided over by Friar Flávio Martins VENÂNCIO. Thus, this experience of fraternity, prayer, and mission ended on a note of gratitude and hope.
Friar Gustavo Ionas ROCHA DE MEDEIROS
