On Wednesday, at the Franciscan Provincial Synod Event in Kansas City, Missouri, young adults showed an eagerness to participate in Church life, take leadership positions in ministries and actively perpetuate the Franciscan tradition.
Eyram Klu, OFS, a Secular Franciscan panelist, said young adults seek to belong in the Church. “The Church gives us space to authentically be who we are and share our struggles and hopes,” he said.
Eyram, along with Aleda Leis who works in public health and is involved with ministries at Mt. Irenaeus in West Clarksville, New York, were joined by three young friars on the panel:
— Br. Tony Luevano, OFM, of St. Boniface Friary in San Francisco
— Br. Phillip McCarter, OFM, of Duns Scotus Friary in San Antonio
— Br. Jimmy Kernan, OFM, of Siena College in Loudonville, New York
Br. Tony notes young peoples’ desire to lean into the Church.
“They yearn for what we have, from the practicing Catholic to the secular person with a strong desire to be change makers rooted in our Franciscan tradition,” he said.
To learn what Franciscans have to offer, young adults need more opportunities to encounter Franciscans.
“I didn’t grow up Catholic,” Br. Jimmy said. “I didn’t know who St. Francis was until a few years ago, but I learned about him because of encounters with Franciscans. ... We should encourage young adults and others to share how they have encountered Christ."
From left to right: Brothers George Camacho and Jimmy Kernan, Eyram Klu, Br. Phillip McCarter, Allie Leis, and Br. Tony Luevano. (Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)
A desire to use their talents for the Church
Young adults desire to use their gifts to further the Church’s mission, said Aleda, and the Franciscans should foster those opportunities.
“So many young adults want to be in leadership roles, and they have the energy and motivation,” she said. “We have so many traditional and non-traditional skillsets that can be used to bringing the Franciscan Order to a beautiful and shiny new place.”
The panel discussion ended with tough questions and enlightening answers.
Panelists were asked what one thing they hope friars in the new province would let go of or embrace to better accompany young adults. They envision a Church they can both contribute to and grow in.
“We must embrace the idea that leadership isn’t just for a select few,” Eryam said. “Every person, by baptism and confirmation, is gifted. Everyone has something unique to give. The Order should embrace that, making disciples who make disciples.”
The young adults had a captive audience eager to hear from the future of the Church. (Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)
Finding a place to belong
During the Franciscan Provincial Synod, which began in January 2024, friars have made a special effort to listen to young adults, the future of the Church.
In November 2024, friars hosted a listening session with 40 young adults from Franciscan ministry sites, parishes, schools, Secular Franciscan fraternities and YouFra groups. From their conversation emerged four key themes:
— Concerns about divisions in the Church. Some young adults called for a more inclusive Church that melds communal and devotional prayer with social outreach and mission. They expressed gratitude for friar parishes that welcome all and encourage friars to continue in their role as bridgebuilders.
— Helping friars rebuild the Church. Young adults want to be engaged as true collaborators and help revitalize evangelization efforts.
— Invitation to engage young people in Franciscan charism in new ways. Young people are passionate about their growing Franciscan spirituality, and charism fits their ideals well. They encouraged using new media as a tool of evangelization.
— People yearn for community, relationships, and belonging. The Church could meet people where they are in modern life, providing unity in a fragmented society and reaching out to those who struggle to find welcome in the Church.
The assembly produced many proposals for nurturing young adult involvement in Franciscan life, including youth conferences, peer-to-peer or group discipleship programs, and collaboration with Secular Franciscans.
Their proposals are among those being considered at the Franciscan Provincial Synod Event this week.
Synod participants are now tasked with identifying priorities and actions to guide the province moving forward. (Photo courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran)
Reviewing proposed actions
With yesterday’s “Signs of the Times” address and the young adults’ hopes for the future ringing in their ears, synod attendees began discussing proposed actions related to charism, mission and lifestyle. These actions were gleaned from synodal sessions that took place in the spring and fall of last year.
Synod participants gathered at tables in small groups and filtered through recommendations, including suggestions from the young adults. Each group submitted a proposal for new action and a priority for the province’s consideration.
As the day ended, members of the Provincial Administration planned to review the feedback and identify the priorities and actions that seem to have the broadest and deepest support.
Tomorrow, the last day of the synod, the group will recommend a final list of priorities and actions that will be captured in a report that will express a vision and culture for the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe moving forward.
Scenes from Day 2 of the Franciscan Provincial Synod
Photos courtesy of Br. Octavio Duran, OFM