Since 2025, the Congregation of the Hospitaller Sisters has been living a six-year period of renewal, which also includes a new impetus for Youth and Vocational Ministry (PJV). “On the journey with young people, Rekindling the Flame of Hospitality” is the name of this process, which seeks to strengthen pastoral ministry and identify priorities and commitments with the new generations.
In this context, on September 3 and 4, an online formation programme was held for Sisters and lay people involved in Youth and Vocational Ministry. The aim was to strengthen their mission and provide tools to help them understand and engage with young people today, always from the perspective of the charism of Hospitality.
Who are young people today?
“Who are young people today?” was the theme of the first day, on September 3. The formation responded to a specific need: understanding the social and cultural changes that have shaped the new generations and recognising how these changes can influence the way we relate to them.
There is a generational difference between the Sisters, lay people and young people which can sometimes become a barrier. There may also be prejudices or preconceived ideas. The day invited participants to look at young people with a new attitude, seeking to see the most positive aspects and to understand their way of living and relating to reality.
This positive outlook emerged in the final evaluation: young people are wonderful people, protagonists of the present and the future, who also live in particular contexts and face many challenges. There is a need to listen to them in order to understand and accompany them.
The importance of processes within our pastoral planning
The second day, on September 4, addressed the theme “The importance of processes within our pastoral planning”.
On this occasion, the reflection focused on the need to continue advancing in pastoral planning and in coordinating the initiatives developed at the local level.
One of the challenges identified is precisely to move from one-off proposals aimed at young people towards pastoral processes capable of creating a genuine journey of accompaniment. To achieve this, it is essential to have planning that supports the different structures and local realities.
The final evaluations highlighted the need to learn how to approach and accompany the new generations more effectively, as well as to create a general planning model that can be adapted locally. In this regard, formation spaces are an opportunity to better prepare those who have this great responsibility within Youth and Vocational Ministry.
This journey of renewal does not end with these two days. On October 1 and 2, two new formation days will take place, allowing participants to explore the topics addressed in greater depth and continue sharing challenges and proposals.
