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THE 5th EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF THE FRANCISCAN YOUTH (YOUFRA) TO THE WHOLE FRANCISCAN FAMILY
Dear brothers and sisters,
We, the participants of the 5th European Congress of the Franciscan Youth, held in Lithuania, August 18-24, 2009, gathered to celebrate in a special way the 8th centenary of the approval of the first Rule of St. Francis and the origins of the Franciscan charism. Meetings of this kind are becoming traditional for the representatives of the Youfra national fraternities. This year, in the light of this centenary, and recognizing Lithuania’s history of Christianity, the main theme of the Congress was “Through Martyrdom to Resurrection”.
As the martyrs in Lithuania, and throughout the world, testified to their love of God by giving their lives, so did St. Francis of Assisi, who is our example in following Christ. However, martyrdom does not only mean having to spill one’s blood in witnessing our faith; it also means, as St. Francis showed us, to convert on a daily basis and to die to oneself in everyday things, so that Christ may show the greatness of His love to us.
This is also the message we would like to share with you, dear brothers and sisters of Franciscan family, and especially to the ones who are particularly responsible for us, Franciscan Youth. Let us all be witnesses to each other of God’s love by giving our lives to God everyday so that he can use us as instruments of His love, peace, hope, faith, joy and forgiveness.
We humbly ask that you continue to help us on our journey through your prayer, assistance, fraternal animation and testimony.
We pray that God will give us the strength and love to not be afraid of witnessing in the third millennium, through the intercession of St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Elisabeth of Hungary, St. Louis and St. Casimir.
Peace and all Good!
Vilnius, the feast of St. Bartholomew, August 24th 2009
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