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Matevz Mehle, head of youth pastoral care at the Slovenian Bishops Conference and director of Catholic Youth, reports a noticeable trend of young people, particularly men, returning to religious practice. According to Mehle, this shift is evidenced by an increase in conversions among those with little prior contact with the Church, as well as a growing interest in sacraments, prayer, and theological study among young Catholics.
Mehle noted that while the desire for spiritual depth was once difficult to cultivate, it has become more normalized among young believers today. However, he highlighted a growing gender polarization, noting that young men are increasingly drawn to faith and conservative values, while young women are not following the same trend. He expressed concern that this could lead to social conflict, citing the demographic challenges seen in South Korea as a scenario to avoid.
Addressing the motivations of young people, Mehle argued that sociological research often fails to capture the fundamental human longing for God. He described the current trend as a spiritual phenomenon, suggesting that the Church should view this movement as a revival of faith. He emphasized that the role of the Church is to provide long-term guidance to these individuals, transforming them from seekers into active, committed Catholics.
Regarding the readiness of the Church in Slovenia to accommodate these newcomers, Mehle stated that the situation varies by region. He cautioned against viewing new members merely as statistics, urging established church communities to prioritize the long-term formation and support of young people who are discovering their faith.
Article source: www.druzina.si | Image credit: www.druzina.si
