Fr. Roger Niedzielski was invited to speak about the joys and challenges facing Canadian Catholic youth in a rare and important meeting with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
“I thought maybe it’d be a small espresso chat. But it turned into something much deeper; a real conversation with the Vatican about what youth in Canada are facing,” said Father Roger, who is leading a group of 36 young people on a Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome July 28-Aug. 3.
The pilgrimage is a hybrid study-abroad program offered by Newman Theological College.
“Honestly, I’ve been spending the first few days collecting people’s jaws off the ground,” Father Roger said.
“Every time we walk into a church, a forum, a piazza, there’s awe. And our students are learning so much. It’s hours and hours of learning history, art, culture, even how to just navigate a new city. It’s been a crash course in beauty, and it’s forming them in ways I didn’t anticipate.”
Father Roger was invited to the July 31 meeting with the Dicastery alongside representatives from Montreal, the Maronite Catholic community, and national Catholic organizations.
He told the Dicastery members that young Catholics – especially in Western Canada – often live and practice their faith without visible support from the wider culture.
“It feels like a desert, but there are roses in that desert. These young people are choosing Christ not because it’s easy, not because it’s normal, but because they desire a real relationship with Him. That’s hope.”
One key takeaway was the need for greater connections among Catholic youth across Canada, and the importance of pastoral accompaniment.
“The secretary of the dicastery made it clear that young people need priests,” Father Roger said. “They need leaders who walk with them, not just to give doctrine, but to build them up holistically: in intellect, in virtue, in curiosity, in faith. That’s what we need.”
Father Roger added: “We have good things happening like the School of Mission in Bruno, Saskatchewan, or CCO (Catholic Christian Outreach) chapters, or C-YEG here in Edmonton. We don’t need to start from scratch. We need to give it more support, more connection, more ‘oomph’.”
“These young adults aren’t the future. They’re the present. If we keep saying they’ll lead tomorrow, we’ll never get there. They’re ready now. And now’s the time.”
Stay up-to-date with Fr Roger and the Seekers of Hope pilgrims as they provide daily insights and reflections in their pilgrim journey to Rome.
Want to support this pilgrimage? There is an opportunity to support the pilgrims directly. An online donation link through the Newman Theological College & St Joseph Seminary Canada Helps platform is available, with all proceeds going directly to the pilgrims. To contribute, simply visit Canada Helps – Newman Theological College Pilgrimage Fund.
Learn more about the Archdiocesan Pastoral Priorities.