This is not a simple voluntary service or community experience but for young people of this group, Living Stones is an authentic formation journey which leads to "maturity of faith". This is a dynamic reality, in constant movement. "During the last 3 months new groups have been formed in Chicago, Kiev, Fribourg (Switzerland), Ciudad de Mexico," Fr. Jean Paul Hernandez SJ explains. The main object and study being carried out in ecclesiastical conferences in France, Spain and Italy and in the different dioceses is discovering a new method of evangelization

From 2 to 5 May, a "three-day study" program on "Contemporary art and spirituality" will be held in Zurich. About 150 young people are expected to attend from different European communities. Mgr. De Raemy, auxiliary bishop of Lausanne-Geneva-Fribourg who is in charge of youth ministry within the conference of Swiss bishops will be taking part.

Among the upcoming summer initiatives, the Matera group have proposed to include service abroad at the end of July on the occasion of "Matera European Capital of Culture". The other initiatives programmed - Santiago, Puente La Reina, Paris, Greece, EESS sul Sempione - can be found by visiting the site.

The collaboration between Living Stones and the Pontifical Commission on Sacred Archeology and the Benedictine Sisters of Priscilla is still in progress during its one-year experimentation. In addition to the guided tours, among the various pastoral initiatives, the Living Stones residential community at Priscilla - three girls, one boy and till August a Maltese seminarist - have organized during Lent 4 "Saturdays" of prayer on the book of Jonah, a figure frequently represented in Priscilla's frescoes, with a commentary on the images and the biblical text. The Community has also established a regular contribution together with prof. Dall'Asta and prof. Tibaldi. on the Radio Maria program "The masterpieces of Italian art" .

Over 32 groups are present in Europe. Numerous visits are made by Muslims, tourists or immigrants. "The deep communion that is created during those moments where they are talking explicitly about faith becomes the most accepted form of a sincere welcome and of profound dialogue is amazing", concludes Father Hernandez SJ.