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YouFra

The mission of the Franciscan Youth of the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in India is to bring the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the youth. Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and guided by the General Constitutions of the SFO (articles 96, 97) and reminded by the Rule of the SFO, article 24, “To foster community among members, the council should organize regular and frequent meetings of the community as well as meeting with other Franciscan groups, especially youth groups,” the Commission is called to inspire, motivate and assist the fostering and development of Young Franciscan groups at the Regional and Local Fraternity Levels,and to share the Franciscan charism with all youths whom we encounter.

Sacred Scripture speaks to the spirit of young people:

“The word of the Lord came to me thus: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.’ “Ah, Lord God!” I said, “I know not how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord answered me, “Say not, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you,’ says the Lord. Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying, ‘See, I place my words in your mouth!’” (Jeremiah 1:4-9)

And St. Paul writes to young Timothy:

“Let not anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

WHAT IS YOUFRA?

Spiritual characteristics:

The Youfrais formed by young people and is a temporary stage in life limited to the youth, which begins with adolescence and ends when the person reaches maturity.

The Youfra is a vocational way that presupposes an initial call, which is developed into an option in life. Being a call, it implies on the part of the young person a response, which is confirmed through a personal commitment before God and in the presence of the brothers and sisters.

The Youfra is an experience of fraternity, a community of young believers, sons and daughters of the same Father, who share their faith, based on (fraternal) love. Their fraternity is inserted in the ecclesial community in which it lives and acts.

The Youfra walks in the light of the message of St. Francis of Assisi; they discover gradually and assume this project of life and its values. It belongs to the Franciscan family as an integral part of the SFO and considers the Rule of the SFO its inspirational document. It asks spiritual assistance from the competent religious superiors, and fraternal animation from Secular Franciscans.

Organizational characteristics:

The Youfrais organized according to its own criteria, which can be specified in its particular statutes. It has its own fraternities and responsible leaders at all levels, and counts on spiritual assistance and a specific fraternal animation.

The Youfra adapts itself to the needs of the youth through its method and contents of formation. Its formation is intended to help youth discern their vocational option and enter completely in the world in which they live.

The Youfra is present in many countries and constitutes a very diverse reality which cannot be made uniform. The socio-cultural situation defines the reality of being young, the responsibilities that youth can assume and the possibilities of formation and action.

Relationship between the Youfra and the SFO

The SFO has a particular commitment to the Youfra as part of its own pastoral service to youth and the promotion of vocations. That is why it must accompany the young and support the maturation of their vocation as well as their introduction into the life of the fraternity.

The members of Youfra accept the Rule of the SFO as an inspiring document for the growth of their Christian and Franciscan vocation, individually and as a group. The relationship between the Youfra and the SFO is defined by a spirit of vital and reciprocal communion. That is why the vocational journey of the Youfra, normally though not necessarily, leads to the SFO.

The Youfra is part of the Franciscan family as it is an integral part of the SFO, and as such it is accompanied and animated by Secular Franciscans. In addition, its responsible leader at the international level and at least 2 member of the National Council are young, professed Secular Franciscans. (Const. 97.3)

At all levels of the fraternities of the SFO there must be a member of the Youfra, chosen by his/her own council, who becomes a member of the council of the SFO. S/he has the right to vote in the SFO council only if s/he is a professed Secular Franciscan. In the same way, a member of SFO, chosen his/her own council, is to become a member of the council of the Youfra at the same level.

The international statutes of the SFO determine the number of Youfra representatives in the international council, the fraternities represented and their competence.