In a powerful display of faith and fraternity, St. Anthony’s Friary Parish, Bengaluru, under the guidance of Br. Prashanth Fernandes, Parish Priest, successfully hosted FRAYME 2025 — the Franciscan Youth Meet that brought together young people filled with zeal and the Franciscan spirit. The event was made possible through the dedicated collaboration of parish pastors and parish youth movements, led with vision by Joy Francis, President of Ferdinand’s Youth, and supported wholeheartedly by all parish pious movements. This event was organized in collaboration with the Province's Secretariats for Mission and Evangelization and JPIC.
The gathering resonated deeply with its theme, “Youth Called to Renew Hope and Restore Creation,” beautifully commemorating both the Jubilee Year 2025 and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s Canticle of Creation.
From the inaugural session’s ceremonial lamp-lighting by Br. Xavier Durairaj, Minister Provincial, the atmosphere was filled with a spirit of renewal — ecological, spiritual, and communal. The Franciscan Family spirit was tangibly celebrated throughout the gathering, with friars, sisters, and lay collaborators sharing their gifts in harmony. The first day set a profound tone with inspiring resource persons who guided the youth into reflection and action, leading seamlessly to the unifying experience of the Holy Eucharist.
The second day deepened this spirit of joyful commitment. Sessions on “Youth Who Pray” and “Witnesses in a Wounded World” meaningfully linked contemplation with compassionate service. Interactive activities, filled with laughter and learning, mirrored the simple, brotherly joy that St. Francis championed.
A truly moving dimension of FRAYME 2025 was the diversity in unity it celebrated — youth and friars from different regions of India, speaking different languages, yet united as one family in the spirit of Francis. The harmony of hearts and the shared joy of fraternity became a living witness of Franciscan communion.
The event’s success was a testament to grassroots collaboration and youthful passion. The final Holy Eucharist became a solemn commissioning, sending forth the participants as joyful artisans of hope and restoration. As they departed, their hearts were fortified by the Franciscan charism — ready to sing the Canticle of Creation with their lives.
FRAYME 2025 thus stands as a radiant chapter in the ongoing story of Franciscan youth in India — a movement that continues to renew hope, restore creation, and celebrate fraternity in diversity.
