Presence is more important than words: the Dicastery's meeting with Ukrainian youth in Italy

Last Friday, June 2, about 200 young representatives of Ukrainians living in Italy gathered in Rome together with Apostolic Exarch H.E. Most Rev. Dionisio Lachovicz for the first Youth Day of the Apostolic Exarchate.

In the toughest of times there is not much to say but to pray together and stay close to one another

Fr. João Chagas, head of the Youth Area of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, attended the event held in the St. Sophia Basilica in Rome. In his address to the Ukrainian youth, Fr. João spoke of his visit to Ukraine in September 2021 and offered words of encouragement to those present, reminding them that they are not alone, but that they can count on the closeness of the Church. He added, “I am not here to give you a speech. In the toughest of times there is not much to say. Presence is more important than words; I am here to pray together and to be with you”.