The slogan is “socialising”: areas for young people offered by the Jesuits
From Bologna to Pisa, from Genoa to Palermo, from Malta to Albania, from Slovenia to Portugal and to France. The Society of Jesus is refurbishing its locations to dedicate them to youth activities such as studying, reading, meeting, university and spiritual guidance, and even cooking. Young people appreciate the initiatives: “We are learning to build a society that is less competitive, more supportive and community oriented.”
Offering young people, students, and workers locations for social life and spiritual care is the common thread uniting several recent Jesuit initiatives in various Italian cities such as Bologna, Pisa, Genoa, Palermo, and in other countries such as Malta, Albania, Slovenia, Portugal, and France.
A house for meeting and sharing in Bologna
In the heart of Bologna, the Poggeschi Centre was created, once a residence only for Jesuit fathers and today also a place of welcome for university students, and young adults during their first work experiences, or simply for those seeking a community to welcome them. “They are looking for a house where they can meet, share, and walk together,” the director, Fr. Loris Piorar, explains in a message issued by the Jesuit Communication Office. The Centre also offers many opportunities for sharing, such as parties, trekking, gatherings, spiritual formation, and volunteer services. “It must be a home for many young people who arrive and have no place, for those who struggle to form relationships, those searching for a deeper meaning,” concludes Fr. Piorar.
A church full of young people in Pisa
In Pisa, the university chapel of San Frediano, a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo and run by the Jesuits, is attended by hundreds of young people. The choir, Sunday dinners, study areas, and spiritual guidance are all the activities offered that foster meeting and sharing. “Above all, they seek people who will listen to them and help them understand their inner voices and give a name to what they are living,” Fr. Giuseppe Trotta says. Vanessa, 26, has found in this place those who nurtured her desire “to build a society that is less competitive and more supportive and community oriented. The San Frediano experience confirmed to me that this deep desire of mine is possible.”
In the heart of Genoa, people meet at the “Iñigo” Centre
On the fourth floor of the building in Piazza De’ Ferrari, next to the Gesù Church in Genoa, the new youth centre “Iñigo” was inaugurated on 7 March: 400 square metres now available to young people. Refurbishment of the Jesuit residence began in January 2024. “With fewer members of the community, it was clear that the three available floors were not needed,” Fr. Leonardo Vezzani, director of the new Centre explains. “We moved the entire community to the top floor. On the fourth, we decided to set up the youth centre, and on the fifth we designed 11 rooms for university students wishing to be self-aware in an environment of a shared living.”
In Palermo, a support initiative for university students
At the Arrupe Institute in Palermo, a new free tutoring service was launched this year for university and high school students. Those who come to study here receive personalised support from Civil Service volunteers to better face the challenges of studying. Students have access to a reading room, outdoor area, library with over 55,000 volumes, ample parking, and fast WiFi.
In Malta, one of the floors of the Jesuit residence was designed for university students
A few years ago, the Jesuits decided to refurbish their residence in Malta, next to the University, transforming the ground floor into a student centre. The project was successfully completed, and the house is constantly used by many students who go there to study, socialise, prepare group work, cook, and relax. “For students it is synonymous with home,” the chaplain Fr. Patrick Magro remarks.
In Tirana, areas for young people next to the parish church
In Tirana, Albania, the Jesuits also decided to offer locations for young people. A hall adjacent to the Sacred Heart parish is available to them. A new structure offers a library and rooms for pastoral activities. “After renovating the entire parish complex, we also created classrooms in the church, in place of an old warehouse. These are areas we make available for different initiatives, cultural and human development, such as music education courses also dedicated to children,” the parish priest Fr. Zef Bisha describes.
In Ljubljana, a university residence
In 2017, the Jesuit house in Ljubljana, Slovenia, became a university residence with 25 places for students, modelled on the college run by the order in Budapest. Spacious and welcoming areas support not only studying but also shared moments of leisure, interests, questions, and exploration. Once a month, the house opens to host friends and relatives of the students.
In Portugal, hospitality for artists
In Coimbra, Portugal, on a farm owned by the Jesuits, six young artists live in a community for three months each year. They share areas with the community responsible for Ignatian youth ministry and continue their creative journey. Musical activities, painting, and sculpture culminate in an exhibition.
Casa Magis in Paris
Founded six years ago, Casa Magis in Paris, France, welcomes 100 young people every day. The centre is a place of meeting and participation for students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and asylum seekers. Areas are available to encourage encounter and friendship, such as the kitchen, chapel, and library. Opened by the Jesuits, Casa Magis benefits from the commitment of lay people and Ignatian sisters.
The original article in Italian was first published on Vatican News.
