46th Edition of “Young People Toward Assisi” Opens with More Than 400 Participants
The 46th edition of “Young People Toward Assisi” (Giovani verso Assisi), the annual gathering promoted by the Franciscan Youth Center of the Friars Minor Conventual, opened yesterday night at the Sacred Convent in Assisi. More than 400 young people from across Italy have gathered for four days of listening, discernment, and fraternity, united under this year’s theme: “You Are Freedom – With Nothing, Yet Possessing Everything.” The event runs from October 29 to November 1, 2026.
Rooted in the spirit of Saint Francis, this year’s gathering continues to offer young people a space where personal searching is woven together with a common journey. It is, as the organizers describe it, an invitation to discover that true freedom is not found in possession, but in the courage to walk together, empty-handed yet rich in meaning.
The opening vigil on the evening of October 29 was presided over by Fr. Marco Moroni, OFMConv, Custos of the Sacred Convent, setting a tone of welcome and shared purpose for the days ahead. The programme that follows is woven through with moments of prayer, formation, and fraternal encounter, each designed to accompany participants on an inner journey as much as a communal one.
Over the following days, participants will take part in experiential workshops led by Matteo Pasquali, exploring themes of freedom and self-discovery. Mornings will open with prayer in the Upper Basilica, guided by Fr. Massimiliano Cola, OFMConv, while a penitential liturgy presided over by Archbishop Felice Accrocca, Bishop of Assisi, will offer space for reconciliation and renewal.
A Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Giulio Cesareo, OFMConv, will be followed by catechesis from sister Claudia Maria Grieco on the theme of “True and Perfect Joy” — a reflection drawn from the heart of Franciscan spirituality. Fr. Paride Ammirati, OFMConv, will offer a thematic synthesis drawing the threads of the gathering together, before a final vigil presided over by Fr. Carlos Trovarelli, Minister General of the Conventual Friars Minor, invites participants into deeper contemplation.
The gathering will close on November 1 with a Mass for All Saints, presided over by Fr. Fabrizio De Lellis, OFMConv — a fitting conclusion to days spent walking, as Saint Francis once did, toward what truly matters.
Throughout the event, real-time updates will be shared on Instagram at @giovaniversoassisi, offering those unable to travel to Assisi a window into the experience. Further information is available at giovaniversoassisi.org
About the Franciscan Youth Center of the Friars Minor Conventual
The Franciscan Youth Center of the Friars Minor Conventual , based at the Sacred Convent in Assisi, has for 46 years accompanied young people from Italy and beyond on paths of spiritual discovery rooted in the life and teachings of Saint Francis. Through gatherings, retreats, and formation experiences, the Center offers young people a space to listen, discern, and grow in fraternity — walking together toward peace, simplicity, and a renewed sense of what it means to possess everything by holding nothing too tightly. More information is available at giovaniversoassisi.org.
Note: Press materials, including photos and videos, are available in the media press kit “Giovani verso Assisi 2026.” This release was prepared as an English-language adaptation of the original Italian text, with editorial revisions supported by artificial intelligence tools under editorial supervision.
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Email: salastampa@sanfrancesco.org
Instagram: @giovaniversoassisi
Website: giovaniversoassisi.org
