Historic record of adult baptisms in France reveals a boom among young people

The Catholic Church in France will host more than 10,384 adult catechumens in this Easter, which represents and increase in 45% with respect to the 2024 figures, according to data published by the French Episcopal Conference (CEF).

The report reveals the highest number registered since these counts began more than 20 years ago. But the most striking is generational change: young adults now constitute the most numerous group among converts.

“The great challenge that is presented to us now is to make disciples. It is not enough to imagine some procedures for the ‘after’ of baptism: the entire parish community must become aware of its common mission,” wrote the archbishop of Lyon, Mons. Olivier de Germay, in his reflection on these data.

The age group between 18 and 25 yearsmainly formed by students and young professionals, currently represents the 42% Of adult catechumens, surpassing the group 26 to 40 years, which historically led conversion statistics. This spiritual awakening led by youth marks a significant change in the evangelization panorama of the Church in France.

There has also been a remarkable increase in adolescent baptisms: more than 7,400 young people between 11 and 17 years old They are preparing to receive the sacrament, which represents a 33% increase Regarding the previous year.

The CEF has intentionally linked this data with the jubilee of young people in Rome, describing it as “a meeting point for young catechumens around the world.”

This trend is also reflected in other places in Europe. He National Catholic Register – Ewtn News printed medium – recently reported on a unprecedented influx to Ash Wednesday masses in Francewith completely full churches and a notable presence of young people.

“We beat record records. Nearly a thousand faithful gathered in the church of Saint-Mourice in the afternoon, many of them young people who attended for the first time,” said Fr. Benoist of Sinet, pastor of the church of Saint-Eubert in Lille, to the magazine Christian family.

An investigation that will publish CNA – an English assistance of EWTN News – this Monday, April 14 will address a similar trend in the United Kingdom.

It is Spiritual rebirth in Europe It coincides with recent data that shows that the decline in Christian identification in the United States seems to have stabilized After two decades of fall. According to the Pew Research Center, 62% of American adults identify as a Christiana figure that has remained “relatively stable” since 2019.

In France, Women are still a majority among catechumensrepresenting the 63% of those who seek baptism. The report also detects a growing trend in urban areas, reversing the rural growth observed in the previous two years.

In an outstanding way, adult baptisms in France have more than duplicate in the last decade: In 2015, 3,900 were registered, compared to 10,391 this year, which represents a growth of 160%.

The report also analyzes the religious background of catechumens. Although most come from Christian families, more and more who declare Not having a religious tradition or come from Non -Christian environments. A 2021 study revealed that approximately the 17% of adults catechumens They had had previous spiritual experiences outside Christianity, including Buddhism, esotericism or animism.

“Let’s not think so quickly that all this happened without us. The letters of the catechumens clearly show the diversity of roads through which the Lord has passed,” concluded Mons. De Germay.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.