Centro San Lorenzo, Something Old and New
By Catherine Smibert ROME, AUG. 19, 2005 (Zenit) -
Everything has a moment of conception -- a place and a time when it all began. This is valid for the World Youth Days too, and Rome was where it began. Specifically, it was the Centro San Lorenzo/International Youth Center and was one of Pope John Paul II's first big steps at renewing the faith of the young. As his pontificate started, he was concerned about the dwindling numbers of young people active in the Church. That's when he went on a search to give youth a place -- it could become the Vatican Youth Center -- and he managed to find one practically in front of St. Peter's Square.
It was the old Church of St. Lawrence "in Piscibus" (at the Fish Market) that had been forgotten due to the modern palazzi blocks which had been built around it. With fourth-century foundations, the stunning church we see today was reconstructed in the 12th century following the Crusades. Its alternating interior columns still have little crosses carved into them as symbols of the "conquest over paganism." The church had gone through a lot of hardships by the time John Paul II came upon it -- from being de-consecrated and turned into an artists studio, to becoming a home to Rome's fish markets at one time.
Yet, the Pope saw potential in this lovely building that had almost been left to ruin, just as he saw potential in the youth of the day. He reconsecrated it in a special youth Mass in March 1983. During this Mass -- photos of which still hang on the walls of the church -- John Paul II expressed his desire that the church, its basement and courtyard become "a hothouse of faith-filled evangelization and a breeding ground for mission." During this time there was a rise in the newer communities, many of them based on the Charismatic Renewal. They were attracted to the Pope's enthusiasm and decided to respond to his invitation by pooling their resources. Ever since then, the Centro, as its affectionately known, has offered the youth of the world a place to come and ask questions when visiting the Eternal City. They then have an opportunity to partake in daily sacraments -- reconciliation, Mass, etc. -- in a variety of languages, and a holy hour at 5 p.m. every weekday. Over the years many youth have also taken the chance to kneel at the foot of the original cross, given to young people by the Pope in 1984, which stays here when not traveling around the world.
