Every year since 2003, the Feast of the Tents is a huge gathering of the Franciscan youth. It attracts young adults from the four corners of Quebec and even from Ontario. They wish to live a fraternal weekend in the middle of nature to discover the Franciscan spirituality.
This year, 104 young people responded to the invitation. We celebrated the 21st Feast of the Tents and the 800th of the Stigmata of Saint Francis. The Franciscan family was well represented by its various religious members. We were 6 FMM at this gathering.
Sr. Violette Raherimaminiaina and Sr. Maria Nudieu Nguyen were part of the organizing team. They left ahead of us on the evening of August 29th with a few young people and 3 Franciscan brothers of Emmanual to see to the onsite organization and to start the meal preparations.
We had vespers and the blessing of the tents and dormitories on the first evening. The next day, we had a conference by Brother Antoine, Franciscan of Emmanual on the theme: I engraved you in the palms of my hands (Is 49:16). It was followed by small group sharing.
Sr. Gabriela Villa Moreno, Sr. Fernanda Gabriel and Sr. Thérèse Mujinga had the chance to be with the young people in these small groups. It was an enriching experience to exchange on the image of Saint Francis receiving the Stigmata and all those people touched by the rays of Christ. In their sharing, it was something to witness their desire and their joy to serve in their daily lives. They let themselves be touched and challenged by the various situations of pain and suffering in the world.
In the kitchen, we were 3 FMM (Violette, Maria et Iffat Iqbal), one Franciscan brother of Emmanual and a lady, member of the OFS. We never felt tired thanks to the creativity and the lovely collaboration between us. We lived Franciscan simplicity through the shared tasks in a spirit of understanding. The lady and the brother appreciated what we achieved and how we were united in this experience. They would like this collaboration to continue in the future.
There was a Eucharistic Adoration, a campfire evening, and the festive Sunday mass. It was presided by Father Pierre Charland, Provincial Superior of the OFM in Canada. This weekend was one filled with songs, prayers, simplicity, joy, laughter, reunions, and new friendships.
Thérèse Mujinga, fmm
