The course marks the first implementation of the F.I.A.T. Shalom 7 method, developed through collaboration between the Shalom Catholic Community and the YOUCAT Foundation, during Acamp’s Summer Festival 2026.
Acamp’s Summer Festival 2026 is hosting an in-depth formation course for young people from July 16 to 18 at the Village des Jeunes in Lourdes. The initiative marks the first implementation of the F.I.A.T. Shalom 7 method, developed through the integration of the Shalom Catholic Community’s formation pathway and the YOUCAT Foundation’s methodology, which is centered on listening and dialogue.
Under the theme, “Peace Be With You! The Christian and Social Life,” the course offers a reflection on living out the faith in society in light of the Church’s Social Doctrine. The content responds to Pope Leo XIV’s appeals for peace and draws upon the catechisms of the YOUCAT collection, widely used for the formation of young people in numerous countries.
The F.I.A.T. Shalom 7 method combines moments of prayer, reflection on the Word of God, sharing, dialogue, and study of the documents of the Church’s Magisterium. The approach seeks to foster a participatory form of formation based on listening, communal reflection, and the application of the content to daily life.
Formation Offered in Five Languages
The sessions take place daily from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Village des Jeunes. The course is offered in language-specific groups and includes supporting materials in five languages. Participation is open to members and participants of the Shalom Work who have already completed the Life in the Spirit Seminar.
The Experience of the Dialogical Method
According to Rafael D’Aqui, coordinator of the course in Lourdes and Director of the YOUCAT Foundation, the methodology encourages active participation and a deeper understanding of the faith among young people.
“Sharing awakens in each participant a deeper engagement with matters of faith. Beyond creating a community centered on faith and becoming a true school of faith, the course opens us to listening to God and to the Church, to our brothers and sisters, and to dialogue. As Director of the YOUCAT Foundation, I am happy to see the YOUCAT dialogical experience returning to Lourdes, since several years ago the Foundation carried out missionary experiences with young people here at this Sanctuary.”
Collaboration Between Shalom and the YOUCAT Foundation
The course is part of the Acamp’s Summer Festival 2026 program and is the result of collaboration between the Shalom Catholic Community and the YOUCAT Foundation. The initiative seeks to offer participants formation in the Christian faith and the Church’s Social Doctrine through a methodology rooted in dialogue and participation.
