1st day of gathering:
On July 18th, São João del Rei was the stage of the Franciscan Youth scene, simple and from various nationalities. It is true that everyone has already knew they would be welcoming YOUFRA international gathering, but seeing so many young people, with different faces, accents and uncommon languages, colorful flags, smiling and singing around the town has to be highlighted thrilling.
The gathering took place at the School Maria Teresa and counted with the presence of almost 200 (two hundred) young Franciscans of 19 different nationalities: Guinea Bissau, Argentina, El Salvador, Chile, Paraguay, Venezuela, South Korea, Costa Rica, France, USA, Colombia, Cape Verde, Croatia, Lithuania, Panama, Bolivia, Spain, Mexico and Brazil (in its various States: Pará, Piauí, Paraíba, Sergipe, Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul). And the presence of CIOFS (International Council of the OFS, which is part of the Franciscan Youth International Committee), National Fraternal Secretariat of the Franciscan Youth of BRAZIL, OFM, OFMCap and OFMConv, religious men and women from TOR (third order Regular), National Minister of OFS and several brothers and sisters from the OFS of Brazil.
During July 19th, with much rejoicing, fellowship and exchange of affection, there was, in the morning, the reception of the participants. In the evening , at 7 pm, in St Francis of Assisi Church, which belongs to Venerable third order-VOT, began the Opening Mass of the Gathering, presided by the diocesan bishop Dom Célio OFM, with the visit of the Diocesan Replicas of the Pilgrim Cross and the Icon of Our Lady, symbols of World Youth Day (WYD).
After the Holy Mass, the participants of the gathering followed a pilgrimage with the cross and the icon until the Cultural Square of the city, where the Missionary Week Vigil from the Diocese of São João del Rei was happening, for delivery of the symbols of the WYD. On July 20th (Saturday) The Meeting's Schedule was full of blessings: Mass in São Gonçalo Church, reception by the General Minister of OFS and YOUFRA International Commission, Roundtable, work in groups, plenary session, prayers and the Celebration of Nations.
Keep connected to Jufra Brazil website and its Fanpage on Facebook (Jufra do Brasil). Check out the photographs of the first day of the gathering HERE:
On July 18th, São João del Rei was the stage of the Franciscan Youth scene, simple and from various nationalities. It is true that everyone has already knew they would be welcoming YOUFRA international gathering, but seeing so many young people, with different faces, accents and uncommon languages, colorful flags, smiling and singing around the town has to be highlighted thrilling.
The gathering took place at the School Maria Teresa and counted with the presence of almost 200 (two hundred) young Franciscans of 19 different nationalities: Guinea Bissau, Argentina, El Salvador, Chile, Paraguay, Venezuela, South Korea, Costa Rica, France, USA, Colombia, Cape Verde, Croatia, Lithuania, Panama, Bolivia, Spain, Mexico and Brazil (in its various States: Pará, Piauí, Paraíba, Sergipe, Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul). And the presence of CIOFS (International Council of the OFS, which is part of the Franciscan Youth International Committee), National Fraternal Secretariat of the Franciscan Youth of BRAZIL, OFM, OFMCap and OFMConv, religious men and women from TOR (third order Regular), National Minister of OFS and several brothers and sisters from the OFS of Brazil.
During July 19th, with much rejoicing, fellowship and exchange of affection, there was, in the morning, the reception of the participants. In the evening , at 7 pm, in St Francis of Assisi Church, which belongs to Venerable third order-VOT, began the Opening Mass of the Gathering, presided by the diocesan bishop Dom Célio OFM, with the visit of the Diocesan Replicas of the Pilgrim Cross and the Icon of Our Lady, symbols of World Youth Day (WYD).
After the Holy Mass, the participants of the gathering followed a pilgrimage with the cross and the icon until the Cultural Square of the city, where the Missionary Week Vigil from the Diocese of São João del Rei was happening, for delivery of the symbols of the WYD. On July 20th (Saturday) The Meeting's Schedule was full of blessings: Mass in São Gonçalo Church, reception by the General Minister of OFS and YOUFRA International Commission, Roundtable, work in groups, plenary session, prayers and the Celebration of Nations.
Keep connected to Jufra Brazil website and its Fanpage on Facebook (Jufra do Brasil). Check out the photographs of the first day of the gathering HERE: