In Italy, there is no shortage of outstanding 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 Liturgy. Recently, the "Youth Report" prepared by the Toniolo Institute in 2024 highlighted some significant data on this topic.
Given the importance of the matter, the Institute of Pastoral Theology hosted an afternoon of study on this issue at the Salesian Pontifical University, aiming to more precisely identify certain critical issues and offer some perspectives for interpretation and action.
The first presentation, by prof. Guido Benzi, who teaches Sacred Scripture at the university, addressed the theme of communal listening to the Word. This listening typically occurs in the Liturgy but is not limited to it; especially concerning young people, it requires other ecclesial reference spaces and contexts, mediations, and methods that align with their desires and quests for meaning.
The second presentation, by prof. Alberto Giardina, director of the National Liturgical Office of the Italian Episcopal Conference, delved into the Liturgy as a privileged space to receive and welcome the Word as a community. He focused on the theological-liturgical, spiritual, communicative, and pastoral perspectives that influence homiletic preaching. It is worth noting, in this regard, that the Universal Synod on Youth emphasized the difficulties many ordained ministers encounter in addressing young people's sensibilities when presenting the Word of God.
Finally, prof. Elena Massimi, a lecturer in Liturgy and Sacramental Studies at the university and coordinator of the "Music for Liturgy" section of the National Liturgical Office of the Italian Episcopal Conference, contributed an intervention on the pastoral value of liturgical music. She highlighted that it is not only a tool to emotionally "engage" young people but also a means to initiate them into liturgical journeys and ultimately Christian life.
The event, moderated by prof. Rossano Sala, a lecturer in Youth Pastoral Ministry, editor of the magazine "Notes on Youth Pastoral Ministry," and editorial director of the publisher ElleDiCi, targeted students, doctoral candidates, lecturers, and individuals interested in the subject.