TESTED LIKE SILVER: An Ode to 25 Years of Existence of the Franciscan Youth Movement NSOLL Fraternity

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Genesis 2: 7

They said one knows if the silver is ready once the person making and heating it would see his own face in the silver. God made us in His image and likeness, just like silver we are suppose to reflect his image in the way we live.  For 25 years, each member of the Franciscan Youth Movement have tried to follow the precept to be Christ-like through the examples of St. Francis of Assisi. Silvers.

I am pleased to know that the Franciscan Youth Movement is celebrating it's 25th or Silver Anniversary. A milestone indeed.  Many souls have been converted and many hopes were created. Each of us learned to dream in the movement. Dream and journey. To use what we have our very own treasures in the form of time, talent and theology.

Each of us though may have have swerved from the path, as the journey of a Franciscan Youth is not an easy one. We trudge a path full of trials, temptations as we make use of our gifts and share them with others. It is not easy to be a Franciscan Youth because we are mandated to be truly heralds of God's love. But what's so interesting about it, is that we have to do it in the simplest and most humble means.

We are a generation who must continue to let God's word flourish not just through our reading the Bible everyday, but living the Bible itself in our thoughts, words, and actions. 

I owe a lot to this movement. Mga kapatids here gave me a reason to continue and try my best to be Christ like and use my talent for God's glory.  This is a group of individuals who accepted me despite my flaws/imperfection and brought me back home to God. They were beacons of God's love to my then bewildered and very lost spirit. They were more than friends they were my siblings in the Christian, Franciscan Family.

As a Franciscan youth, each of us are tasked to do so. Franciscan Youth, accepted or not, all individuals were created in God's image and likeness the least we can do is give thanks to God by letting Him work through us. To strive to be the best with what God gave us. 

We are all instruments of peace.  It would be great, if you have brothers and sisters like I have in this fraternity whose never ending generosity, gracious and inspiring lives have been my anchor and living Bibles through their examples.

Congratulations again mga Kapatids (Siblings) in this Fraternity - Fraternity in the true sense of the word - brotherhood. Go and make a difference to more youth!