Italy
The fourth and final part of the testimony of friar Paolo Maria Braghini, Capuchin Friar Minor, at the “Go! Franciscan Youth Meet 2026”, an event promoted by the Friars Minor, the Friars Minor Conventual, and the Friars Minor Capuchin, held in Assisi from August 3 to 6. We at spazio + spadoni have presented it to you in several installments, to guide you step by step in reading and listening to a story that has shown us God’s creativity and mercy.
The invitation to young people: saying yes to the Lord
And in conclusion, what do I feel like saying to you young people? That surely I, like many other friars in the world, missionaries all around, have made many mistakes. But the thing I certainly did not get wrong is saying yes to the Lord, trusting Him.
So, young people, trust the Lord! If He calls you, do not overthink it, say yes! And I will also tell you this: when at 18 years old I felt this call and said yes, I faced a lot of opposition. Not only from many friends, but also from family members.
For example, my brother wisely told me: «You are young, you are 18 years old, study, finish university and then, if the Lord truly calls you, He will call you again, so you will be better prepared, you will be more mature».
Humanly speaking he was right, but I tell you: do not do that! If the Lord calls you, trust Him! So, take the leap, because that is what the Lord wants! Say yes to the Lord!
The Amazon experience and the strength of vocation
And lastly: in the Amazon — but this is certainly the experience of many missionaries — more than once we have seen sister death up close. More than once we have felt a mysterious strength that supported us and continues to support us.
Saint Francis, Saint Clare and the value of the Poor Clares
And I truly feel like saying this: we are here for Saint Francis after 800 years, but if Saint Francis is who he is today, he also owes it to Saint Clare. When he had doubts: «Should we friars retreat in prayer or go out into the world?», he asked Saint Clare for help, and through prayer she told him: «Francis, you and your friars go out into the world».
And Saint Clare continues to pray every day for the missionaries of the world: they are the Poor Clares! So, young people, if you have doubts about your vocation, look for a Poor Clare monastery, ask these young women for prayers. And I tell you one thing: if there were no Poor Clares giving their lives 24 hours a day in prayer, for missions, and for peace, many missions would simply not exist. T
hey are truly the beating heart of the Church. Therefore, thank you also to the Poor Clares who give their lives for the missions, giving them in prayer. Young people, do not be afraid! May the Lord bless you, give you great joy and great peace in saying yes to the Lord!
THE END… but the mission continues!
Photo by friar Paolo Maria Braghini
