Thank you for surrounding the three United States Franciscan pilgrims attending the YouFra International Gathering in Portugal with your heartfelt prayers.

Aldo Morocho, OFS, his daughter Dalia Morocho, and Fr. John De La Riva, OFM Cap, arrived safely and are fully engaged in the activities.

They are halfway through the week and enjoying a spiritually inspiring time and the adventure of joining hundreds of Franciscan youth from around the world.

The theme for this gathering is “Get up, your neighbor awaits you.” The liturgies, talks, and discussions will focus on our Franciscan responsibility to spread the joy of the gospel and to serve those in need. Fr. John will also join the World Youth Day pilgrims from Aug. 1-8.  For more information on World Youth Day, go to https://slmedia.org/blog/special-slhour-remembering-wyds

The Franciscan Youth and Young Adult Commission appreciates your support and will share pictures and comments, said Kathleen Molaro, OFS, National Franciscan Youth and Young Adult (FY/YA) Commission Chair.