On November 18, 2024, a group of thirteen Lutheran pastors from Finland visited the Santa Dorotea Parish Church in Rome’s Trastevere district to meet with its Pastor, Friar Umberto FANFARILLO. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and understand the faith-related issues faced by young people who are moving away from our churches.
The pastors from the Finnish Lutheran Church pointed out that their country is experiencing a crisis of religious values, evident in empty churches and young people distancing themselves from the Christian message.
Despite seventy-five percent of Finland’s population identifying as Lutheran, and the presence of seven dioceses, youth participation in the church is very low. During their discussions with Friar Umberto, the pastors inquired about how the Catholic Church, particularly the Conventual Franciscan Church of Santa Dorotea, is addressing these challenges and what pastoral strategies are being implemented. This crisis is also being reflected in vocational choices, prompting questions from the pastors about how the Catholic Church and religious Orders are tackling this issue.
Additionally, they asked Friar Umberto about the methods and strategies employed by the parish to bring young people closer to the faith.
Friar Umberto emphasized that their challenges are shared by the Roman Catholic Church in Italy. Each parish strives to involve young people through community prayer events. In the case of Santa Dorotea, the church is open every day and late into the evening on Saturdays, attracting hundreds of young individuals for confession and Eucharistic adoration. Furthermore, alternating charismatic groups meet every Tuesday to invite young passersby on the streets of Trastevere to participate in prayer and meditation sessions.
The Conventual Franciscan friars organize a national youth meeting called “Youth Towards Assisi” in Assisi. It is led by a group of friars who do youth and vocational ministry throughout the year in various Conventual Franciscan churches. In Italy, there is also the YouFra (Franciscan Youth) movement run by the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), which has fostered several vocations.
Friar Umberto pointed out that parents play a crucial role in preparing their children during catechism for first communion and confirmation.
In their fraternal discussion, the pastors acknowledged and understood the difficulties faced by the Catholic and Lutheran churches, hoping that parents would also recognize the challenges of nurturing spirituality through attentive listening to God’s Word, using tools and language that are appropriate for youth.
The thirteen Lutheran pastors thanked Friar Umberto and invited him to pray with them, asking the Lord to continue to be the Good Shepherd in their Christian communities, and to further their journey as pastors and proclaimers of the Word of Life, as they foster growth in faith.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
