Brothers and sisters, we are called to persist in our call to Franciscan spirituality. And persist we will do. We know about Franciscan joy; we know that Christ strengthens us and that we are made strong through our trust in Our Savior and His merciful love for us. No one can take away this determination and no one can separate us from the love of Christ. He is our model! St Francis ever points us towards His words written in Sacred Scripture. "Do not be afraid! I am with you!" Recall these words from St. Peter: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you." (Peter 4:12-14). No one can separate us from the love of God; not men; not evil; rest assured of this truth!