Franciscans build unique youth center in Zagreb: 'Young people will find peace and meaning here'

Franciscan friars are developing a novel youth center in Zagreb, designed to be a sanctuary for young people seeking connection, community, and personal development. Fra Stjepan Brčina, the driving force behind the initiative, envisions the center as a place where youth can escape the pressures of daily life and find peace, fellowship, meaning, and faith, all within the framework of Franciscan values.

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The youth camp will be a place of meeting, socializing, and common growth. This is especially important today, in a time when many young people are increasingly isolated and focused on the virtual world.

Recently acquired land on the outskirts of Zagreb, in Bistra, provides an ideal setting for this future hub. Its accessibility via public transport and proximity to the city make it a practical location. Fra Brčina, who also serves as a priest at the Basilica of St. Anthony in Zagreb and an educator of future priests, has dedicated eight years to working with young people. He particularly values their openness to new ideas and challenges, seeing collaboration with them as a source of creativity and shared accomplishment.

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Young people are not a problem to be solved, but a gift to invest in.

Brčina emphasizes the critical need for such a space in today's world, where many young individuals experience increasing isolation and immersion in virtual environments. He advocates for viewing young people not as problems to be solved, but as valuable assets to be nurtured. Citing Viktor Frankl, Brčina suggests that young people should be seen for their future potential, recognized for their inherent gifts, and given trust. He has observed that young people thrive and grow when entrusted with responsibility and supported by a strong sense of community, where their individual talents can enrich others.

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We cannot just criticize them, but we need to recognize their gifts, their good sides, and give them trust.