info@villaaurora.it +39-055-412014 
Once again this year, from Aug. 17-31, 2025, the XXV Summer Theological-Pastoral Training Course for Laity, organized by the Italian Union of Adventist Christian Churches (UICCA) and the Adventist Faculty of Theology, will be held at the Adventist University Institute “Villa Aurora.”
For two weeks, participants will have the opportunity to return to their school desks for an intense experience of study, prayer, discussion and personal growth. Classes will be held in the attractive setting of Villa Aurora and will be complemented by moments of meditation, practical activities and educational visits. The Institute’s rich library will be available for individual study.
A unique training opportunity
The Summer Course is not limited to the intensive phase: during the following church year, in-depth meetings are scheduled in the various districts, led by faculty professors, to continue the path of theological and pastoral growth.
Major areas of training include:
Introduction to the world of the Bible: how to read and understand sacred texts in their original contexts.
Theology and current affairs: afternoon seminars to reflect on contemporary challenges in the light of faith.
Practical training: evangelism, preaching and Bible studies for more effective service in the community.
Villa Aurora Meeting
The students will also participate in the Villa Aurora Meeting, which will be held Aug. 24-30. This year’s theme will be “God in Our Time,” explored not only from a religious perspective, but also from an ethical, social, political and ecological perspective, thanks to the presence of prominent guests from academia and culture.
How to enroll
To participate, you must contact your pastor, who, after a letter of introduction from your congregation, will send your application to the camp director. Travel and living expenses are partially covered by the UICCA, while the local church is asked to make a contribution for each participant.
What participants say
Those who have experienced this in past years tell of a valuable formative and spiritual journey. Here are some testimonies collected at the end of the 2024 edition:
Filippo Illardo: “The helpfulness and competence of the teachers, the cuisine and the serenity one breathes and experiences.”
Sara Franconi: “The kindness of the professors who prodded us to ask questions about each topic covered.”
Ivanka Vania Gencheva: “A chance to study the Word together and reflect on our role in the post-modern world.”
Giordana Testa: “The welcoming environment, the friendships, the food, and the classes, especially those in homiletics and catechesis.”
Suggestions received have been valuable in further improving the educational offerings, with a focus on deepening certain subject areas.
For more information, visit the dedicated page: Summer Theological Formation Course for Laity – ed.
