YOSAC retreat 2005

This is my first retreat with a youth group, people of my age. I was nervous at the beginning. But it turned out well after all. When they talked about my role at church, this is the motivation for me to serve Jesus' cornerstone. I decided to join the youth group. And also, for some reasons, I really like St Francis of Assisi. The only reason I could thought of is that St Clare was his follower. Anyway, I should elaborate it more later.

We visited a lot of Basilica and shrines during the trip. They are really really pretty. I felt sacred and peaceful in there. I saw St Francis of Assisi in some of them. Then I thought the prayer of St Francis,

Lord, make me the instrument of they peace.
Where there is hate, may I bring love;
Where offense, may I bring pardon;
May I bring union in place of discord;
Truth, replacing error;
Faith, where once there was doubt;
Hope, for despair;
Light, where there was darkness;
Joy, to replace sadness
Make me not to so crave to be loved as to love;
Help me to learn that in giving I may receive;
In forgetting self, I may find life eternal.

I understand why I like him through the prayer. This is exactly what I want to do for my entire life. I learned that in giving, I may receive. I could only satisfy myself, being truly happy this way. Bringing love, joy, peace, truth, faith and hope to the world would be the goals of my life. Although I don't even have the ability to keep myself faithful and hopeful at all times, I will work towards it.