Something new! That’s what drew students and young professionals to Hautecombe Abbey.
With a profound theme —“Holiness, no less ,” as well as a festival specially tailored for young professionals and “ Ora et Labora” (prayer and work) weeks, these new offerings show that young people aren’t just looking for entertainment, but for a powerful and challenging spiritual experience.
In a secluded, peaceful spot surrounded by nature—the perfect place to take a step back and reflect on life—nearly 1,500 participants from some 20 countries, particularly in Europe, enjoyed the idyllic setting ofHautecombe Abbey (Savoie).
New Initiatives
Among this summer’s major new features are the three weeks “Ora et Labora” (Prayer and Work) were well received by the participants. The rhythm, centered on the Abbey and balanced between prayer, teaching, and service, “was well-received by the participants”, says the Father Luciano Couto, international director of youth ministry for Chemin Neuf.
The goal of these weeks is to set up the website for the two festivals Welcome to Paradise, while fostering connections and camaraderie among young people through opportunities to share experiences, eat together, and play games. “ Eleven Scout groups—a total of 90 young people—discovered the Community this summer and left feeling rejuvenated “, says the youth ministry director at Chemin Neuf. In the end, these three weeks of sessions, held from July 4 to 25, drew 300 participants.
From July 18 to 22, 99 young professionals gathered to explore the theme of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who thirst!” ”
The afternoon schedule was kept light so participants could enjoy the natural setting on the shores of Lake Bourget, go for a swim, play sports, or chat over coffee or ice cream. “The feedback was very positive, ” Father Luciano summarizes. “This age group had been waiting for this kind of event, ” he continues.
“We think we’ve found the right formula,” says Fr. Couto. For the past two years, the Welcome to Paradise festival has featured a French week and an international week. He adds that “each has its own identity, atmosphere, and language.”
145 participants and 275 volunteers took part in the Francophone week, while the international week welcomed 421 festivalgoers and 300 volunteers from about twenty countries.
Since the festival in Portimão (Portugal), “we’ve been confirmed in our intuition to offer continuous prayer at the heart of the festival,” reports the leader of the Youth Mission. A house of prayer, called “House of Prayer, ” offers uninterrupted worship. Several groups of musicians sign up for different time slots to take turns leading the prayer.
These initiatives confirm the insights of the Chemin Neuf community, as they have proven successful based on the number of participants and the enthusiasm they generate among festivalgoers. “They provide us with valuable insights into the spiritual quest of 18- to 35-year-olds, ” notes the Brazilian priest.
A Thirst for Depth, Silence, and Spiritual Life
The festival’s core team “had deliberately emphasized the importance of morning prayer times and communicated this message. “As a result, Lauds, Ignatian prayer, and the School of Charisms were packed every day, while dozens of young people settled in, Bibles in hand, on the terraces overlooking the lake…, ” explains Father Luciano.
Another theme that emerges among young people is the need for silence and spiritual guidance. The silent retreats based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola were fully booked, demonstrating the participants’ desire to take time for themselves, to reflect, and to learn to discern in their daily lives.
These students and young professionals are seeking a deep personal commitment. The organizing team enlisted the help of young people to develop the various program offerings. Together, they opted for “à la carte” itineraries: Each participant was able to use the festival website to create their own itinerary, choosing from workshops (on ethics and AI, personal testimonies, etc.) and times of prayer.
As Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś (Archbishop of Kraków) emphasized to *Dauphiné Libéré* during his visit: “What is remarkable and very inspiring is that this event was created by young people. They are the protagonists of their own experiences.” (Dauphiné Libéré – August 4, 2026)
What young people are telling Father Luciano Couto this summer is that “an encounter with Christ is not a superficial choice, but a concrete answer to their search for meaning. In light of the Pope’s visit to France and the upcoming international gatherings, this summer confirms that young people are waiting for a message that is powerful, free, and lived out in practice.”
