Pre-Synodal Diary: 3 day

These have been days during which, divided in linguistic groups, we have been put to the test. We have debated and discussed without any prejudices, with all frankness and clarity, as Pope Francis has invited us to do. Yesterday we concluded this first Pre-Synod step. We summarized all the experiences, thoughts, ideas and wishes presented by each one of us. It was a morning during which, each linguistic group dedicated its time to revise the summary to be presented to the coordinating group. This group will be responsible to put together the summaries of the 20 linguistic groups and of the 6 social groups attending the Synod. Through this exercise, so many other young people in the world were able to participate in the discussions.

The summary presented by my group includes so many proposals and provocations which were based on a reflection on our life as young people, referring to the hardships we encounter starting from work, from our lack of confidence in the future, our existential difficulties, our desire not to give up and to do our best to share and disseminate the beautiful experiences which we, young people, go through. It also includes the importance of discernment on an individual level, in every context and phase of life, and, at the same time, also at communitarian level, realizing the richness of the different experiences of the group. We also included the need to strengthen and support those who are accompanying young people, especially when this role is played by young people themselves. This can be done by enhancing relations where both sides feel that they have to be responsible, to support and to share. And lastly we said that we want a Church which is ready to change its mind and which is ready to answer to the needs of our times with wise attention and a creative response.

Luisa Alfarano – IFCA Youth Coordination