(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2026  Issue #119)

By Kathleen Molaro, OFS • Youth and Young Adult Commission Chair

In response to the announcement of a Year of St. Francis, Fr. Marek Weresa, who is a contributor of Vatican News, interviewed Bishop Krzysztof Nykiel, Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary. One of the questions he asked, after a tremendous Jubilee Year and now another special invitation to enjoy a Year of St. Francis, was, “What can we do to prevent this time from becoming banal?”

Bishop Nykiel answered that it’s not a matter of more events, more prayer, or more holiness. That can become overwhelming, exhausting, or even boring. Instead, he encourages us to take what we’ve gained and deepen our response. It’s important to “live the Gospel concretely rather than merely talking about it.” He clarifies by stating, “The Year of St. Francis must not become another chapter full of special spiritual effects, but a silent passage from enthusiasm to deep maturity.”

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-01/year-saint-francis-indulgenceassisi.html

This year is an opportunity to reach out to young people. Considering the transformation and conversion Francis experienced as a young man, he is a well-received saint for our younger generations! Like Francis, they often express their desire for purpose; for mindfulness; and for authenticity and action, which was evident in a recent article about Directors of Newman Centers in the Sacramento Diocese, (The Future of the Church is Today, Catholic Herald, March 2026). Marie Antunes, director of Chico Newman, shared that one of the students once told her, “You never know how much time you have, so you have to live intentionally.” Many young people have developed a devotion to St. Carlo Acutis, who shared a similar philosophy. One of his famous quotes is, “I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting a minute on those things which do not please God.” He lived with intention, which has drawn many young people into a deeper relationship with the Church. The story and example of St. Francis also inspire young people.

Joe Johnston, the director of Sacramento Newman said, “We’re calling for an era of purpose through Jesus.” It is students who see the bigger picture, who strive for purpose over convenience, that he hopes to serve.

How can we Secular Franciscans support the efforts of the young people in our midst? You’ve probably seen this excerpt from the commission before – but it is worth repeating.

In Sons and Daughters of Light: A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults, our bishops respond to the question, “What can the Church offer to fulfill the spiritual hunger of young adults?” Their answer is “The Church can offer them a vision of life based on a faith that calls each of them to holiness, community, and service.” Simply put, you can help through Encounter – Presence – Prayer – Inspiration – Witness – and Love.

As you are celebrating this special Year of St. Francis, through your works of charity, prayer services, retreats, and whatever other commemorative events you’ve planned, remember to invite young people along.

Youth Appreciating God’d Creation, Praying together, Working together

In a Letter to the Minister General of the Conference of the Franciscan Family, Pope Leo XIV says:

“May the example and spiritual legacy of this Saint, strong in faith, steadfast in hope and ardent in active charity towards his neighbor, inspire in everyone the importance of trusting in the Lord, of living a life faithful to the Gospel, and of accepting and illuminating every circumstance and action of life with faith and prayer.”

If we truly believe this is what we are called to do, then let’s live what we believe, and serve as the witnesses young people are seeking.