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The diary of the congress Peace and good! Welcome to the official website of the V European Franciscan Youth Congress in Lithuania! |
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are very pleased to welcome you to the V European Franciscan Youth Congress which will take place in Lithuania on 18th-24th of August, 2009. It will be a great honor for Lithuanian Franciscan Youth to present our country which celebrates a Millennium since the first historical mention of Lithuania’s name in written sources and our capital Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009.
The theme of the V European Franciscan Youth Congress is Through Martyrdom to Resurrection. Participants of the Congress will visit the unique places associated with Franciscan martyrs in Lithuania and the Hill of Crosses which is an everlasting symbol of Lithuanians’ sufferings and martyrdom during the Soviet times. Martyrdom, as a suffering for Jesus and a confession of God’s word in our daily life, is important for us, Franciscan Youth, who are also called to witness the Gospel.
In 2009 we will celebrate the 800 year anniversary of the Franciscan charisma. On this occasion we remember our brother saint Francis: his journey inspired by a desire for martyrdom beyond the seas with his companions; how he designed for himself a tunic that bore a likeness to the cross; his vision of the man in the likeness of a crucified seraph, and the way Francis became a crucifix himself.
We invite you, Franciscan Youth from all Europe, especially from Central and Eastern parts, to come to Lithuania and to get acquainted with International Youfra and SFO. During this meeting we expect to have a magnificent time for prayer, celebration of the Eucharist, youth formation as well as fraternal feast. We sincerely hope that this Congress will renew the life of Lithuanian Franciscan Family and will be a bright sign of our faith witness to the Lithuanian society.
We are looking forward to meeting you in Lithuania! Peace and good to you all!
Virginija Mickute
National president of Lithuanian Franciscan Youth Fraternity
Fra Algirdas Malakauskis OFM
National spiritual assistant of Lithuanian Franciscan Youth Fraternity