El acompañamiento vocacional juvenil en el contexto de la espiritualidad digital, un estudio en la parroquia María Stella Maris de Guayaquil

Abstract

This study addresses youth vocational accompaniment within the framework of digital spirituality, taking as a reference the pastoral experience of the María Stella Maris Parish in Guayaquil. The main objective is to understand the dynamics of vocational accompaniment for young people in María Stella Maris Parish in Guayaquil, exploring the influence and opportunities presented by digital spirituality, taking into account the process of vocational discernment, and identifying opportunities as challenges. The research was conducted using a qualitative, analytical, and pastoral theological approach, using surveys and focus groups as data collection tools. These tools allowed us to gather perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of young people in relation to their vocation and the use of digital media The results show that technology can hinder the interiorization and silence necessary for discernment, but it also offers new forms of connection and accompaniment when appropriate pastoral criteria are employed. In this sense, those who accompany others vocationally are called to reflect the closeness of Christ through active listening and the creative and responsible use of digital resources. The research is based on Sacred Scripture, documents of the Magisterium of the Church, contemporary theological reflections, and recent studies on spirituality and digital culture. It concludes that God continues to call young people in the midst of the digital environment, inviting them to discover their vocation and commit themselves to his plan of salvation.