'For the Sake of the Gospel’: Join young Catholics for the Georgia Martyrs Virtual Youth Event

What does it mean to follow Jesus with courage today?

Maybe it means standing up for someone who is being left out. Maybe it means serving people in need, defending human dignity, caring for creation or sharing your faith with a friend.

Whatever it looks like in your life, you are invited to be part of a special celebration of faith, courage and missionary discipleship on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Eastern. “For the Sake of the Gospel: A Georgia Martyrs Virtual Youth Event” will honor the soon-to-be-beatified Georgia Martyrs and the faith-filled witness of young people who are living the Gospel today.

Hosted by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the event will take place on the day the Georgia Martyrs will be beatified. These five Franciscan friars gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel in 1597, becoming powerful examples of faith and missionary discipleship.

But this event is not only about saints and martyrs from the past – it is also about you.

Throughout the brief program, you will hear stories from young people and friars who are boldly living their faith today. You will have the opportunity to see how people your age are responding to God's call.

As the Church honors these Franciscan missionaries, we hope young people will see that the same Holy Spirit that inspired the saints and martyrs continues to work in them today. The Church needs your faith, your gifts, your voice and your willingness to bring Christ's love into the world.

The witness of the Georgia Martyrs reminds us that holiness is possible in every age. Their example challenges all of us to say "yes" to Christ with courage, trust and joy.

Gather your friends, youth group, campus ministry, Catholic school or parish community and join the friars for this historic celebration. Together, we will honor the legacy of the Georgia Martyrs and discover how God is calling a new generation of missionary disciples to carry that legacy forward.

Event details

For the Sake of the Gospel: Georgia Martyrs Virtual Youth Event
Date: Oct. 31, 2026
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern
Format: Online event
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.youtube.com/@FriarsGuadalupe (No registration required.)