French priest: 'Many are deeply searching; we must serve this faith'
By Deborah Castellano Lubov - Metz
Young people in France are looking for something greater, and many are discovering in God and the search for Christ an answer to that longing, suggested Fr. Emanuele Ecker.
The French priest is responsible for the formation of seminarians and also serves as a priest for students and the wider community at the Parish of Notre Dame of the Assumption in central Metz.
After Mass on the eve of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in the eastern French city, he spoke to Vatican News about the spiritual searching he sees among young people in France and about their desire to seek Christ and discover the joy of faith.
Q: Could you tell us something about how you see this strong commitment to faith in this parish?
This is a parish that is very popular with young people because it serves students and young professionals. It is a very young and dynamic parish, and many of these young people are truly rooted in the love of God and in the search for Christ.
It is a beautiful example of the movement that is taking place in France at the moment. Just look around us at all these young people who are here, so dynamic and full of life. We give thanks to God for this work, because it is His work, the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not our work; it is God's work. We are workers in the Lord's vineyard, and we try to work with the Lord in order to serve these young people.
I like to say that, as a priest, I am happy to be a servant of the joy of believing. "The joy of believing" is an expression from St. Paul. I am truly happy to serve the joy of these young people's faith.
Q: You perceive among young people a desire to believe and to be baptized. Do you also see this enthusiasm reflected in the increase in baptisms among young people in recent years? How would you describe what is happening?
I would say that among young people there is a very deep searching. The situation in France is one of very deep searching. Young people are looking for something greater, something higher. I would use this image: upwards, upwards, always upwards.
Last year, we held a weekend with the students focusing on the figure of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who has become very well known. At this moment, I can say that there is a desire among these young people to gradually embark on a path of a demanding faith — a very demanding faith. It is not a low or superficial faith, but a high and demanding one.
We have to serve this faith and help these young people understand that this demanding faith can be lived through charity, love and mercy.
Sometimes young people can be a little harsh, and we try to teach them that the truth must be lived and proclaimed through charity and mercy. "Speaking the truth in love" is another phrase from St. Paul. I also like to teach this to young people.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would say that three elements are key. First, young people publicly express their desire to follow Christ towards baptism.
Second, the Church welcomes these young people. One of the first ways in which the Church welcomes them is by praying for them.
And third, through its prayer, the Church asks God to send his grace upon these young people, so that they may continue to follow Christ towards baptism, all the way to baptism. It is, we might say, the strength of God's grace: God's help and God's support.
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