So Many YOUNG Friars. What's going on?

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[louisisbored]

Dear Fr Casey,
As an ex-Protestant and ex-atheist, I have recently joined a Catholic parish and begun RCIA. I would like to add that this Sunday I have begun praying the rosary and have been doing so every day since. I love it very much! Thank you for helping me to learn about the faith and become closer to God.

[macjeffff]

There is nothing like a meeting of like-minded individuals to strengthen one’s faith.

[marlenesmall]

Francis and his brothers were called on to save the church once. Maybe you can do it again. God knows our church can use some Franciscan humility generosity and love. ❤❤❤

[violetmusic]

I wasn’t raised Catholic but I’ve lived in Maryland my whole life and there are so many Franciscans right in my state that I hadn’t realized before I became Catholic

[kawco]

I was raised in an atheist family, but I have always felt some inner spiritual emptiness, and have been searching for a way to fill it for years, I have studied the teachings of Buddhism, Islam and others. But in the end, it was in my local church run by the Friars that presented a form of spirituality and worship that just felt right to me, from the first time I attended a mass there. I'm 36 now, married and a father of two, my wife and children are all baptized, and I am about join them, it makes me a little nervous to be honest, but I know it is the right thing to do. So thank you and all your Franciscan brothers for showing me the way.

[Fiona]

Every time I see a Franciscan friar it makes me smile. They exude joy. I love them all.

My patron saint is St Francis and my confirmation saint is St Padre Pio

Pax et Bonum

[usersoleeyeday]

Thank you, Fr. Casey. I cried seeing these young men serving God and saving our beautiful church. May the Lord bless you all.

[Adrian-qbtp]

Absolutely wonderful to see so many young Friars in the faith, I pray that more people will look into this way of life, Amen.

[seanfrancis]

I was an alter server for a Franciscan parish and my Patron Saint is Saint Francis of Assisi. I now currently attend the Tridentine Mass at a parish run by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP). I will still state that my love and heart will remain Franciscan, and my faith has gone to a more traditional calling. I may not be in route to becoming a priest, but I am happy to see more priests, monks, and friars celebrating their vocations. I am happy to see how conservative and traditional the young priests have become, it gives me hope that the Church will be in good hands for the future. If the Church were to visibly shrink, we Catholics are known for never going away and thrive underground while in persecution (for example: Great Britain during/after the Protestant Revolution; the persecution of the Irish by the British; the Russian and other Latin or Eastern Catholics behind the Iron Curtain). We are the One True Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Christ Himself upon the rock Saint Peter. We may be persecuted, spat on, beaten, cursed by others, plundered, and shamed, but we will always be the One True Church. I pray that my hopes of a bright Catholic future will be true.

This hope comes after reading an amazing book on the history of the Soviet Union from prior, during, and after its collapse called "The White Pill: A Tale of Good and Evil" by Michael Malice. I read that book then read through the history of Our Lady of Fatima and the current crop of priests...especially those from the FSSP and others. We are in a time of struggle, but we will prevail. Seeing so many new friars, priests, monks, nuns, and converts should be evident enough that we have a very positive future ahead.

Keep up the great work Fr Casey.

Ave Maria. Ave Christus Rex.

[doobat]

There's so many young people who want to do things radically against the flow of the "establishment", against the increasing sense of selfishness, who yearn for community. We have to find ways of reaching them, and I think you being authenticly yourself, and showing a hopeful sight like this gathering, definitely helps.

[tylerdean]

Currently discerning the priesthood. Looking into the Dominicans. I'm 20. There is hope!

[doug.jones.]

It's great to see so many young friars! It's easy to focus on the reasons for worry in the Church today, but the Spirit is always at work and there are many reasons for hope.

[reggiek]

Thank you for sharing Fr. Casey! Glory to God for all those who have chosen this vocation. May God continue to bless them.

[lauraN]

Quanti giovani frati! È così bello vedervi tutti insieme! Grande iniziativa! Dio vi benedica 🙏

[tnt]

There should be more meetings like this for friars. It’s true that you guys are rare. Good luck to you. Thank you for your work. May God bless you.

[stampinggrannieboyd]

Fr Casey, this is amazing! I’m so happy you had the opportunity to be there. Hope and love of God could be seen in these young men!

[alangames]

Wow. How wonderful God bless all of you.

[alphacause]

Nothing is more inspiring than seeing a group of people driven by a purpose that is not only bigger than themselves, but a purpose that is far more edifying than the superficial pursuits that we are told by popular culture to strive for. Thank you, Father Casey, for sharing these experiences and giving us a glimpse into to world that we, as laymen, are unfamiliar with.

[ficoIK]

We also have Franciscan youth groups in Croatia and Bosnia. These are the third graders(of francicans) who live by the example of St. Francis and we meet every week and have some kind of lecture / socializing.

[バイオレット-wx]

I’m discerning to be a Franciscan friar in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual! Thank you for the video!