Campus Work at the University of Padova
- Chiesa in Vicenza
- Apr 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
The University of Padova, founded in 1222, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. It is known for its long-standing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and scientific freedom. With over 70,000 students, including a growing population of international scholars, it ranks consistently among the top universities in Italy and Europe. Renowned for its contributions to science, medicine, and philosophy, the university was home to iconic figures such as Galileo Galilei and Nicolò Copernicus (astronomy), Andreas Vesalius (father of modern anatomy), Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia (first woman to receive a PhD), and many others. Today, Padova is ranked among the top universities globally and is recognized for its research output, cutting-edge laboratories, and interdisciplinary approach. Its centuries-old motto, "Universa Universis Patavina Libertas" ("Liberty of Padua, universally and for all"), continues to reflect its enduring legacy as a bastion of free thought and academic rigor.
For more than 10 years, the saints have been burdened and have been praying for the University of Padova as it is a good fishing pond for the Lord to gain excellent materials for His purpose. Seeing the openness and preciousness of the university students in Padova, especially native Italians from various cities throughout Italy, and the great history and strategic location of the campus, the saints have been continuously carrying out the Bible and gospel distribution in order to sow the seed of the kingdom that the city of Padova will one day be fully conquered by the Lord. The distribution of the Bible and the gospel has been continuing until present and is part of the burdens for the yearly gospel trips.
Beginning from 2019, the campus work gained momentum through the Lord's sending of students from other churches to study at the university. With the help of some visiting saints, the number of students, who were friends and classmates of the student-saints, had constantly increased and were open to the fellowship in the word and the enjoyment of the hymns, with a good number of them receiving the Lord. Among this group of students who have already graduated, a few are still meeting with the saints.
With the migration of a few saints in 2021 and the constant visitation of the saints, the Lord has strengthened and blessed the campus work in Padova. The saints have seen a great increase among the students, with them being so open in reading the word and the ministry. They were also very open in attending some of the church meetings and were enjoying the time with the local saints. Through constant fellowship, shepherding and enjoyment, two from this group of students were baptized and are continually meeting with the saints. Some of these students who have graduated have also been forwarded to other localities.
At present, the Lord has been sending more students from other churches to study in Padova, and has been leading some saints to migrate to this city. Through the constant supply from the Body in the prayers and visitation of the saints, the local saints have been strengthened and encouraged in laboring in the campus. Though the workers are few and the resources are limited, the Lord has been continually blessing the saints with many students, mostly Italians, who are hungry for the truth and His word. A good number among these students have received the Lord, are enjoying the fellowship, reading and singing, and are continuing in meeting with the saints.
May the Lord continue to pour out His rich mercies and His abounding grace that the University of Padova will produce useful vessels for the Master's use and precious materials for His building. Praises and worship to our glorious King who is triumphant and victorious in conquering this university, for surely He will do it! Amen and amen!
Prayer Burdens:
For the gaining of precious vessels in the University of Padova through the gospel and Bible distribution, and through the campus meetings, as well as the baptism of the seeking ones
For the incoming students from the saints' family and from other churches, and for the Lord to thrust out more workers for the harvest in the campus
For an adequate meeting place to contain the students and the meetings
For the Lord to gain fully some of these students and obtain their consecration by going to the Full-time training
For more updates, please visit the News and Updates section.
Amen, praise the Lord for the students!