Today, we celebrate the liturgical Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in late 1181 or early 1182 in Assisi (Italy). His father was a prosperous silk merchant who dreamed of the day when Giovanni would inherit his wealth and fame, but Francis had other ideas. In his early twenties, Francis suffered from an illness while on a military expedition against Perugia. He was taken prisoner and spent a year as a captive. He tried to return to his carefree life but after experiencing a vision, he slowly began to change his life.
This week in Rome, the long-awaited Synod of Bishops on Youth began. Two years ago, Pope Francis called for this gathering of the Synod which has already called for input from young people from Canada and other countries who were invited to speak about their concerns about the Church. Young people are also present at the Vatican this month to take part in the deliberations at the Synod which officially began yesterday with the celebration of a Mass in Saint Peter's Square. In his homily, the Holy Father spoke poignantly about the need for the Church to listen carefully to the concerns of youth so that we may remain relevant to their concerns. This concern was echoed in the opening address that His Holiness offered to the delegates when they gathered for the opening session of the Synod yesterday afternoon.
Saint Francis is well known for the courage he demonstrated in re-building the Church. It is significant that this year, as we remember and celebrate him, we are also looking toward the concerns of other youth - not so much different in some ways from the young man from Assisi - who are also daring to speak about their dreams and hopes for the future of the Church.
Let us dare to listen carefully to the concerns of those who are young, and to pray that the advice that is being offered during the Synod will help the Church to remain close to and relevant to young people today.
Have a great day.
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