FI youth from the Brazil-Caribbean Province have participated in various gatherings of prayer, reflection, and fellowship over the past few weeks in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Brazil. Three countries, one journey: discovering God’s call and responding to it.
FI Youth in the Dominican Republic: Mother Candida’s Path to Holiness
On Sunday, October 18, 2026 , Monte Alvernia in Santiago, Dominican Republic, hosted a gathering of faith and fellowship for young people from the Mother Candida Youth and Vocational Ministry and the FI Youth Community. Under the theme “Mother Candida’s Path to Holiness: Young People Walking in the Heart of the Daughters of Jesus,” they were invited to explore the life of Saint Candida María de Jesús and to discover that young people, too, are called to live a life of holiness.
Five Stations: From Andoain to Salamanca
The young people symbolically visited five places that shaped Mother Cándida’s life, from her origins in Andoain to the founding of the Congregation in Salamanca.
In Andoain, they reflected on identity and their own roots; in Tolosa, on hope in the midst of difficulties; Valladolid invited them to listen to God’s call and respond to it even without knowing the entire path; in Burgos, they discovered service lived with love and joy as an expression of holiness; and Salamanca reminded them of the trust needed to say their own “yes” to God.
Holiness begins in everyday life
At each station, through group activities, prayer, and dialogue, the young people reflected on their own stories and asked themselves what God wants from them and what steps they are willing to take.
They recognized that holiness is not a distant ideal nor something exclusive to extraordinary people, but rather a possibility that begins with small decisions, in encounters with others, and in a willingness to love and serve.
Brotherhood, friendship, and joy
The journey culminated in a time of fellowship, where they shared their talents, strengthened community bonds, and renewed their commitment to leave traces of holiness wherever they may be. And you, young person,where are you on your journey toward holiness? Mother Candida’s path continues to inspire us to make our lives a generous response to her call: “Let us have a big and generous heart, reserved solely for God.”
FI Youth in Cuba: Ignatian Youth Gathering “To Love and Serve in All Things”
The gathering was, first and foremost, a time of prayer to discover the Lord’s presence in every moment of the week. Next, the FI Youth shared what “Love and Serve in All Things” means to them in light of their belonging to the parish, the diocese, and Ignatian spirituality. They then responded to a question left open for each of them: Are they willing to put this motto into practice in their lives, and how are they doing so?
FI Youth in Brazil: FI Brazil Youth Meeting
Under the theme “Youth in Search of a Foundation. Where the Heart Resides,” the FI Brazil youth gathering took place in two locations: on October 10 in the city of Picos, Piauí, and from October 18 to 20 in Montes Claros, the host city of the regional gathering.
The gathering in Picos was a fitting occasion to introduce the FI Brazil youth group. In Montes Claros, the gathering brought together young people, sisters, and laypeople, who prayed together and reflected on the search for meaning in life. It was a very meaningful experience, which concluded with a spirit of gratitude and a desire to continue walking alongside young people.
We continue to support young people
These gatherings in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Brazil resonate with the vision left to us by the 19th General Chapter:
“With deep trust in the Lord, who continues to call young women to the Congregation, we encourage all provinces to strengthen projects and programs of explicit vocational ministry with creativity and commitment. Our goal is to accompany young women in their discernment, helping them to clarify the dream that God has for their lives and to discover that it can be fulfilled by becoming Daughters of Jesus.” (Resolution CG XIX, no. 25)
We invite you to continue supporting the FI Youth on their journey and to pray for them, so that each one may discover and dare to live out the dream God has for their life.
You can view the photos in our Flickr album.
