The Cardinal-Archbishop of Madrid, Don Carlos Osoro, confirmed 54 adults from the University Pastoral of the diocese last Friday, May 6, 2022. Of these, 24 came from the Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV): 21 were students and members of the administrative and service staff (PAS), and three were young people from Regnum Christi, but prepared at the university.
- In these small groups of 4-5 people, bonds of friendship are formed that will help them to continue their faith among friends
- We prepare for Baptism and First Communion
- The chaplains and some young people at the beginning of the course visit classrooms to present the pastoral activities of the university
Father Gabriel Guajardo, LC, one of the chaplains at UFV, recently shared with the communication office in Spain how they organize themselves and what the formation consists of. One of the key points is that a large catechesis group is not created, but small groups of 4 or 5 people to “achieve the necessary trust with the catechists that allows young people to honestly and transparently express their doubts about faith.”
UFV’s University Pastoral has prepared 24 young people for Confirmation. How do you invite the university community to prepare to receive this sacrament?
The chaplains and some young people at the start of the academic year visit classrooms and present the activities offered by the university’s pastoral. One of the options we offer is Confirmation catechesis. We also put up posters and promote it on Instagram.
In such a large university community as Francisco de Vitoria, is it possible to gather everyone at the same time? How do you organize it?
When students register, we give them several available schedules. They choose the one that suits them best. If someone cannot fit into any group, we offer the possibility to prepare on their own with a catechist. But no one can be left out due to scheduling conflicts.
What is the virtue of organizing small groups of four or five adults instead of much larger meetings?
We have seen that in groups of 4 to 5 people, the necessary trust with the catechists is achieved, allowing young people to honestly and transparently express their doubts about faith. Additionally, these small groups foster bonds of friendship that will help them to continue their faith among friends, as they share something very deep and spiritual.
So, what does the preparation offered by the university to young people who want to be confirmed consist of?
We offer catechesis that, first, is appropriate to the age and maturity of our confirmands — “it is not primary school catechesis for First Communion.” Second: doctrinally solid according to the Word of God and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Third: existential, addressing the daily and real topics of young people. Fourth: Solidarity, not being indifferent to the suffering of others.
And how long does the catechesis last?
It lasts one academic year. We meet once a week. The sessions are mainly catechesis, but within the itinerary, we have a spiritual retreat to learn how to pray and some act of charity towards those in need, because faith is not only ideas but also charity towards others.
What other sacraments does Francisco de Vitoria University prepare for?
We prepare for Baptism and First Communion. We also help engaged couples prepare for marriage, although we do not offer premarital courses.
