Georgia Martyrs Virtual Event will celebrate young, courageous disciples

The Georgia Martyrs are five Franciscan friars who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel. In honor of their upcoming beatification on Oct. 31, the Franciscan friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe are hosting a Virtual Youth Event that will feature young people who are boldly living their faith.

This event will not only shine a light on heroes of the past; it will celebrate young people today who are fearlessly following Christ with the same faith and passion as the saints who came before them.

That’s why we’re inviting youth ministries, young adult ministries, campus ministries, Catholic schools, parishes and other Catholic communities from across the country to submit a video of courageous discipleship that will be featured during this historic event.

Submit your video by Sunday, August 30!

We will be showcasing young people (ages 13-39) from across the country who are courageous disciples – just like the Georgia Martyrs. They surrender their lives to God daily through prayer, service, evangelization and faithful action. Like the Franciscan friars who left everything behind to share the Gospel with the Guale people of the past, we invite you to submit a video that provides an inspiring example of how young people are living courageously for Christ today in their schools, campuses, workplaces, parishes, families and communities.

Video content suggestions:

• A praise and worship song
• A testimony of faith and conversion
• A reflection on discipleship
• A story of mission, service, or evangelization
• A witness to how God is moving within your ministry
• A message encouraging other young people to follow Christ

Video submission guidelines:

• Length: 3–5 minutes
• Format: Landscape (16:9)
• Resolution: 1080p preferred
• Include your ministry name and location
• Include a parent/guardian image consent form for minors that appear in videos
• Content should be rooted in Catholic faith and discipleship

How to submit your video:

Send videos and questions to Chris Rivera, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe | crivera@friars.us

Join modern-day friars for this historic moment

A select group of young people will be chosen to receive tickets to join the Franciscan friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a pilgrimage to the Beatification Mass and other celebrations in Savannah, Georgia, surrounding the Beatification.

As the Church honors Franciscan missionaries who helped establish some of the earliest Catholic missions in what is now the United States, we want young people to be a part of these important celebrations so they can carry on their legacies to a new generation.

Plan a watch party on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.

Make plans now for your community to join youth and young adults from across the country for the Georgia Martyrs Virtual Youth Event on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. on the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s YouTube channel.

Plan a viewing event/watch party to help young people engage more deeply in their mission to encounter Christ, grow as disciples and become courageous witnesses to the Gospel. The virtual event will include keynote presentations from Franciscan friars who will:

• Share the story and significance of the Georgia Martyrs
• Challenge young people to embrace courageous discipleship
• Introduce the Franciscan charism and missionary spirit
• Invite participants into fraternity, formation and mission
• Present opportunities for leadership development and vocational discernment