Youth embody the heart and mind of St. Francis during TFE

Youth participating in The Franciscan Experience (TFE), June 24–29, played, prayed, served, and learned about their faith together, resulting in internal conversions that set them on a path to be agents of change in society. 

TFE, sponsored by Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge, is a six-day overnight summer theology program for rising high school juniors and seniors. The program, based at the Catholic Life Center, united theological formation, provided by the FranU Theology Department, service in the community, and participation in liturgical and personal prayer to assist participants in their own vocational discernment.  

 Participants learned how to be missionary disciples in the community by serving local charities and organizations in need. 

“There's been a lot this the whole week that has really been a great experience, but yesterday was probably my best day,” said Charles Daigle, a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Zachary and student at Zachary High School. “This week every day has gotten progressively better, and I can only thank God for that.” 

Serving at the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Baton Rouge was Daigle’s favorite part of the week. 

“Coming into this week, I didn't have the connection that I wanted to the Lord, and I had offered that up in prayer. The very next day I was able to really speak with my roommates, with all the people around. I really feel a sense of community.” 

Daigle was thankful for the people who helped him focus on his life vocation. 

“Through all the lectures and all the talks and speaking to all the people here has really helped me get a better idea of what I want to do; not one single thing, but learning what I like, learning what I enjoy and knowing who I am in God's eyes.” 

Serving at St. Vincent de Paul’s One Stop Homeless Services Center was the best part of the week for Nate Lacinak, 17, a student at St. Michael the Archangel High School in Baton Rouge and parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Prairieville.  

“Even though I got bit up by a bunch of bugs, I still picked up a lot of trash. And the look of appreciation on people’s faces as they were telling me thanks for what I was doing, even though they are hungry and homeless, was the best feeling. It’s really comforting.” 

Lacinak returned for a second year because of the community bonds formed at TFE last year. 

“Everyone was accepted, and no one was left out,” Lacinak said. 

Top right photo: Students had fun while learning theology at TFE. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
Above photo: Father Josh Johnson, vocations director for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and Sister Refugio of the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament have moment of fun during during a vocational presentation.

Bella Dubos, likewise, said her heart was warmed by the people she served at SVDP, and she was encouraged to serve the less fortunate more often. 

Dubos said the formation experience was also incredible. 

“This is my first year here, and all the spiritual aspects of this has been really eye opening. All these lectures that we've had have really opened my eyes,” she said. “I personally would have never thought about these things if I hadn't come here and learned about them.’ 

Dubos planned to use her experiences for the benefit of the community. 

“I want to be more open to everyone around me and to take into account that there are other people in the world that don’t have as much as me. I plan to give back, so they have the same opportunities that I have.” 

Attending daily Mass and praying in the St. Joseph Chapel and was the best part of the week for Mia Lowrance, 17, a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville. 

“I loved getting to know everyone and seeing so many new faces, but I really like to prioritize one-on-one time with God and have quiet amidst the happenings of the day … You have time to sit in silence and let God speak to you and tell you what he would like for you to do,” said Lowrance. 

Seeing the changes in the lives of the youth inspired TFE organizers and presenters. 

Sister Ashley Marie Refugio Santora, who has professed her first vows with the Mercedarian Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, was a first-time speaker.  

“It's been really beautiful to see the shift that's happened throughout the different games, the lectures and the service; seeing their hearts open and desire to give more of themselves to the community, but also to one another,” said Sister Refugio, who helped give a presentation on the Mercedarian Sisters during a vocational talk. 

"The only word that comes to mind on how these young people are transformed is through encounter,” said Tyler Trahan, director of Franciscan Student Life and Servant Leadership at FranU. “Through encountering a deeper knowledge of God and the faith, the people that we have the privilege of serving out in the community, and Jesus Christ in the sacraments, the eyes of their hearts are opened to goodness, beauty, and truth.  

The strong bond that the participants create with one another is an encouragement and strength for them to pursue Christ, emphasized Trahan. “The uniqueness of TFE is how we clearly synthesize our Catholic faith, theological formation, and service all through the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi, and the life of St. Francis is one of conversion and transformation.” 

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University received a $6,000 grant from the Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott "Works of Mercy" Board of Trustees for The Franciscan Experience. The grant was presented by Bishop Michael G. Duca on June 26 at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center.