In Italy, centuries-old churches dot the landscape, sanctuaries and processions draw crowds, and nearly 80% of the population profess themselves Catholic.
But to the majority, it's an affiliation in name and tradition, with little adherence to doctrine or practice. – Two children scribbled petitions to St. Gabriele dell’Addolorata in the vast sanctuary where the young saint is venerated in this central Italian mountain village. Andrea, 6, asked for blessings for his family and pets. Sofia, 9, gave thanks for winning a dance competition.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a disengagement with the Catholic faith that started at least a generation ago, said Franco Garelli, a University of Turin sociology professor who’s been studying religiosity in Italy for decades. They described growing up attending Mass and catechism, only to stop in their early teens after being confirmed. That’s when Catholics, usually baptized as infants, commit to witness their faith through the gifts of the Holy Spirit — but for many, it has instead become the last rite they feel obligated by family tradition to partake in.
But celebrating saints is still important, said fellow band member Federico Ferri, 28, who works for a local manufacturer of devotional items. Raised in the nearby seaside village of Pineto, Vignola, 36, regularly attended church until her confirmation. “The whole system revolved around the church, and today that’s no longer the case,” said the Rev. Dario Di Giosia, the rector of San Gabriele.
The majority remain in the gray area in the middle, what Giordano calls the “I belong but I don’t believe” crowd. Strategies to draw some back include an emphasis on social work, volunteerism, even“It’s very reductionist to have as the only measure those who practice . The Holy Spirit is at work everywhere, it doesn’t belong only to Catholics,” said Archbishop Erio Castellucci, vice president of the Italian bishops’ conference.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Coinbase Will Delist a Massive 80 Trading Pairs on October 16thSome of the affected pairs are ACH-USDT, BNT-BTC, SUSHI-BTC, SUSHI-ETH, ZRX-BTC, ZRX-EUR, and others.
Read more »
Remains of Ohio sailor killed during Pearl Harbor attack identified over 80 years laterModern DNA analyses confirmed the identity of Stanley Galaszewski, a U.S. Navy sailor killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Read more »
Trump Praises Judge, Claims 80 Percent of Case Is OverDonald Trump praised Judge Arthur Engoron for a 'very fair' ruling at the end of the first day of his New York fraud trial Monday, which, according to the former president, means that '80% of this case would be over.'
Read more »
Taylor Swift Extends Artist 100 Longevity Record to 80 Weeks at No. 1She logs nine albums on the Billboard 200.
Read more »
80% increase in Illinois hate crimes in just 1 year: ADLA new report shows a massive increase in hate crimes and speech across the state.
Read more »