In Italy, there is no shortage of esteemed studies on the phenomenology of young people's approach to religious experience in general, their relationship with the ecclesial community in particular, and the alienation they experience when reading Scripture or participating in the Liturgy. Recently, the "Youth Report" developed by the Toniolo Institute in 2024 revealed some significant data on this subject.
Given the importance of the topic, on April 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the Institute of Pastoral Theology at the Faculty of Theology will host an afternoon of study on this matter in the Juan Vecchi Hall of the Pontifical Salesian University. The aim is to identify some critical issues with greater precision and offer perspectives for interpretation and action.
The first presentation by prof. Guido Benzi, professor of Sacred Scripture at our University, will address the issue of community listening to the Word. Such listening typically occurs in the Liturgy but is not limited to it. It requires, particularly concerning young people, other ecclesial reference settings, mediations, and methods that correspond to their desires and searches for meaning.
The second presentation by prof. Alberto Giardina, Director of the National Liturgical Office of the Italian Episcopal Conference, will delve into the Liturgy as a privileged space to receive and embrace the Word as a community. He will focus on the theological-liturgical, spiritual, communicative, and pastoral perspectives involved in homiletic preaching. It is worth mentioning that the Universal Synod on Youth highlighted the challenges many ordained ministers face in addressing young people's sensitivity when presenting the Word of God.
Finally, prof. Elena Massimi, professor of Liturgy and Sacramentology at our University and coordinator of the "Music for the Liturgy" section of the National Liturgical Office of the Italian Episcopal Conference, will offer a presentation on the pastoral value of liturgical music, not only to emotionally "connect" with young people but also to initiate them into liturgical and ultimately Christian paths.
The event, moderated by prof. Rossano Sala, professor of Youth Ministry, director of the journal Note di pastorale giovanile, and editorial director of the publishing house ElleDiCi, is aimed at students, doctoral candidates, faculty, and individuals interested in the topic.