International Formation Camp Featuring Youth from Ukraine and Europe Concludes in Italy
The international formation camp “Good Christians—Honest Citizens” was held in Seveso, Italy. Thirty young people from various regions of Ukraine took part, along with participants from Italy, Spain, Romania, and Malta. Over the course of five days, they participated in the educational program “Shaping Peace, Realizing Hope,” which combined educational, formational, and spiritual elements.
Dyvensvit reported this.
The project was carried out by the UGCC Patriarchal Commission on Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Youth Sector of Catholic Action in Italy, with the support of Caritas Italy and the International Forum of Catholic Action.
The educational program sought to combine personal development, spiritual experience, and intercultural exchange. Participants deepened their understanding of the Church’s social teaching and developed skills in critical thinking, dialogue, and responsibility for the common good.
In view of the major challenges of our time, the young people explored themes of peace and human dignity, political participation, integral ecology, as well as digital ethics and communications.
The program included lectures, workshops, group discussions, interactive sessions, meetings with experts, and spiritual activities. In addition, participants joined in daily communal prayers and divine services led by spiritual leaders.
Fr. Roman Demush, Deputy Chairman of the UGCC Patriarchal Commission on Youth Affairs and coordinator of the Ukrainian group, noted that amid today’s global challenges, such initiatives help foster a responsible and conscious generation of young people who are open to dialogue and capable of contributing to social change:
“This is an opportunity to bear witness to the international community about the contribution of the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian youth in particular, the values for which Ukrainian youth are giving their lives—not only to save their compatriots but also all of Europe,” the priest emphasized.
Addressing the participants, Giuseppe Notarstefano emphasized that the presence of young people from different countries is a sign of hope and a willingness to take responsibility for building peace. He noted that such initiatives are not only educational but also create a space for developing ideas and practical solutions for serving society.
A special highlight of the gathering was the Ukrainian-themed evening organized by the Ukrainian participants. The young people introduced their peers to Ukrainian culture, traditions, and songs, and also shared testimonies about the realities of life in Ukraine today, particularly amid the war.
During the camp, participants had the opportunity to visit municipal institutions and government agencies, and they are encouraged to apply the experience gained through social projects and initiatives in their communities—archeparchies, eparchies, and exarchates.
