MILAN, Italy - While far from home, Filipinos in Italy practice their faith and participate in Holy Week celebrations aside from masses held in different churches.

There are numerous Filipino community organizations all over Italy and most of them are church-based. Filipinos have close links with priests and chaplaincies who head their religious and counseling needs.

“As a Catholic Christian, it does not prevent me from which country I am to celebrate the Lenten season. I try to abstain from bad practices and be true as a Catholic Christian,” said Rodel de Chavez.

Many Filipinos are active members of church communities. Catholics show their devotion through different reflections and Christian meditations.

“It's a good thing here in Italy that we've brought our traditions in the Philippines during Holy Week like Palm Sunday, Seven Last Words or Siete Palabras, and washing of the feet,” said Angie Villanueva.

Millennials may have more advanced technologies and a wider range of social interactions and may also be more informed than ever. But through these reflections and holy traditions, faith among the youth remains. Overseas Filipino youth come together in one spirit and become a strong force.

“As a youth leader, one thing that amazes me about God is the fact that we are reading the same exact Bible that our parents read, the same old stories that happened years ago,” said Israel Masangcay.