Under Ten Gathering: growing together in fraternity and vocation

The Under Ten Gathering brought together nine friars who have made their Solemn Profession within the past ten years, accompanied by two brother facilitators; the meeting was held from August 9–12, 2026, in Lynn, Massachusetts. This special time offered an opportunity to pause amid the demands of ministry, reconnect as brothers, and renew their commitment to living their vocation with greater awareness and joy.

Throughout the gathering, prayer, formation, honest conversation, and fraternity provided the foundation for a meaningful experience. Each day began with the celebration of the Eucharist and Morning Prayer, creating a space to place the experience in the presence of God and to give thanks for the gift of the Franciscan vocation.

The friars openly shared about their current lives and ministries, recognizing both the joys and challenges of their journey and the many ways God continues to work in their lives. Particular attention was given to the gift of fraternity and the call to walk together as brothers, as well as to the importance of cultivating a healthy balance between prayer and service.

On the Solemnity of Our Mother St. Clare, the friars gave thanks for her witness and the gift of her life. The day's formation focused on holistic health, encouraging honest reflection on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The afternoon continued with a reflection on affectivity and the Theology of the Body, exploring how these dimensions are integral to living the Franciscan vocation as whole, mature, and integrated persons.

The gathering concluded with a sharing from friars who had previously participated in the Under Ten Gathering in Assisi, offering their personal experiences and insights. The participants then worked collaboratively to prepare a final report with proposals for the life and future of the Province.

More than a meeting, the Under Ten Gathering was a time of renewal, fraternity, listening, and discernment. It reminded the friars that their vocation is not lived alone, but as brothers who are called to accompany one another, deepen their relationship with Christ, and continue building together the future of the Franciscan Family.