I am pleased to share that, following an agreement, this interview-article is being republished on my blog after its original release on Sbircia la Notizia Magazine.
The figure of Don Cosimo Schena is a delicate mix of human depth and spirituality. Born in Brindisi in 1979, he joined the Order of Priests and to this day is not only a respected leader of his diocese but also an innovative communicator who shares messages of faith and love through modern media. His educational background is vast: degrees in Philosophy, Theology, and Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, as well as a PhD in Philosophy, clearly reflect his meditative and intellectual approach to writing and communication.
From the moment he embraced his calling, Don Cosimo felt the need to deepen the understanding of God’s love. Poetry has allowed him to communicate even with those most distant from the church, as its language, which covers profound meanings, remains accessible. In his poetry collections such as The Man in the Heart of God, The Art of Loving, and Whispers, he focuses on the central theme of divine love, a love that embraces every aspect of daily life. Each poem, brief yet intense, arises from the desire to offer hope and comfort, inviting a deeper connection with spirituality.
His presence on social media
Don Cosimo has also skillfully blended poetry, faith, and technology, becoming a prominent figure on social media (with up to 20 million streams). His videos, where he passionately recites his poems accompanied by evocative music and images, have captured the attention of a wide audience, particularly the youth. Through this content, he offers an alternative spiritual guide, close and engaging, addressing universal themes like love, peace, and joy, always rooted in Christian faith.
Despite the success of his books and his online popularity, Don Cosimo has remained a humble priest, deeply committed to his pastoral mission. His presence on social media is merely an extension of his ministry, through which he continues to seek new ways to reach people and convey messages of love and hope. This authentic approach, combined with his ability to touch the hearts of his listeners, has made him one of the most beloved spiritual figures in Italy.
His latest masterpiece: a guide to hope and serenity
In addition to the books Clothed in Stars to Love and My Life Upside Down, in 2024 he released God is My Coach, his latest masterpiece. Everything revolves around the idea that God can be thought of as a coach for daily life – a provocative, reassuring, and practical concept.
The author invites readers to imagine God as a loving coach, ready to reassure and encourage when the game gets tough. Through simple reflections and personal stories, Don Cosimo spreads the idea that faith can be a concrete source of strength and light when life becomes unbearable. The coach is not at all distant or unreal, on the contrary, he is very close and very human: he walks beside us, is proud of us, and pushes us to do better every day.
In essence, it is an invitation to live one’s spirituality in a practical way, finding in God a friend and a coach who pushes us to give our best.
His love for animals
Don Cosimo is also known for his deep compassion towards animals. He sees them as gifts from God and promotes respect and care for all creatures. He is actively involved in animal welfare initiatives, supports shelters, and organizes events to raise community awareness of responsible adoption. His dedication shows how love for animals can reflect our spirituality and lead to compassion in the world.
- Good morning, Don Cosimo, it is an honor to be able to interview you.
- Good morning, thank you, the pleasure is mine.
How do you, Don Cosimo, combine poetry and spirituality to bring closer people who feel distant from faith?
- Poetry is a universal language that touches people’s hearts. Through my verses, I try to express the beauty of faith and the depth of God’s love. Poetry allows for a gentle and personal approach to spirituality, creating a bridge between the sacred and the everyday.
What role do social media play in your ministry, and how has your digital presence influenced traditional Catholic communication?
- Social media is a powerful tool for reaching people wherever they are. My digital presence allows me to share messages of hope and love in real time, breaking down the barriers of physical distance. This has transformed Catholic communication, making it more accessible and immediate.
How does your poetry express the idea that God’s love manifests in every act of daily life?
- In my verses, I try to show how God’s love manifests in every small act of our daily life. Whether it’s a smile, an act of kindness, or a moment of reflection, every action can be a reflection of the divine presence.
How have you personally experienced the idea of God as a coach in your life, and what experiences led you to share this message with others?
- The idea of Dio è il mio coach (God as a coach) in my life has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. I have experienced this relationship as an ongoing dialogue, where God has helped me see challenges as opportunities for growth and find strength in difficult times. The experiences that led me to share this message with others are many: from moments of prayer and personal reflection to encounters with people who found comfort and hope through faith. Every time I witnessed the transformative power of this approach in my life and the lives of others, I felt the need to spread this message so that more people could experience God’s loving guidance and support, just like a true coach.
In your opinion, what are the main reasons why young people drift away from the Church, and how can we make it more relevant to new generations?
- Many young people drift away from the Church because they perceive it as distant from their realities and concerns. To make it more relevant, we must listen to their voices, understand their challenges, and offer authentic and concrete answers. The Church must be a place of welcome, dialogue, and personal growth.
We’ve seen that you are a great lover of animals. What is the most important lesson you have learned from animals in your life, and how has this experience influenced your mission?
- The most important lesson I’ve learned from animals is their ability to live in the present and show unconditional love. Animals do not judge, they do not hold grudges, and they live each moment with a purity and simplicity that we humans often forget. This experience has taught me the importance of being present for others, offering love without expectations, and finding joy in the little things in life. These values have become fundamental in my mission to bring comfort and hope through my poetry and ministry.
If the Church could adopt a new app to bring more people closer to faith, what do you think it should be like? More like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or something else?
- If the Church could adopt a new app, it should be a combination of Instagram and TikTok, with visual content and short videos that capture attention. It should be interactive, allowing people to share their faith experiences and connect with a global community.
In conclusion, besides writing poetry, Don Cosimo constantly finds new ways to express his faith. Through various projects, including books, presentations, cultural and religious events, the author will continue spreading his message that divine love becomes visible in every expression and that harmony with God is achieved with every breath and in every moment.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- Instagram: @doncosimoschena (310,000 followers – 4/6 million per month)
- Facebook: Cosimo Schena (163,000 followers – 7 million streams)
- TikTok: don Cosimo Schena (150,000 followers – 20 million streams)
- YouTube: don Cosimo Schena (20,000 subscribers – 7 million streams)
