A Catholic perspective on current events

"La Plena": a way to evangelize by listening to young people

At St. Josemaría Rectory Church, a podcast and an "After" have become the bridge to bring young people closer to God.

Omnes Editorial Staff

September 20, 2025

young people
© Milton Torres

Traditional forms of evangelization can be unattractive to many young people. At St. Josemaría Church in Samborondón they realized this and, instead of creating a youth group "from above", they decided to ask them what they would like to do.

After a couple of meetings with the young people, an idea emerged: to create a live podcast: "It would not be a directly religious program, but a dialogue between two hosts - a young woman and myself, as priest - and a guest, looking for that 'supernatural' vision that would challenge the listeners," explains Juan Carlos Vascónez, rector of the church.

In addition, after each chapter, they would organize a "After". A space for people to talk, meet and share, thus generating a real community. The goal? That restless young people, with wide-ranging interests, would find a meeting place.

©Milton Torres

This week they reach their eighth episode and the number of young people attending continues to grow. The podcast is recorded every two weeks, and in the weeks when there is no program, they organize training and social aid activities. "The work has been intense, but seeing the commitment of these kids, and how the podcast becomes a means for people to get closer to God, is an immense joy," says Juan Carlos.

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