by Cleric Joyston Machado & Beverly D'Souza for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Youth Services [DBYS] Matunga-Mumbai organised its first ever virtual Retreatainment amidst the ensuing pandemic lockdown and unlock chaos, on Sunday 23 August, via Google Meet. Mumbai Salesians' Provincial Councillor and Delegate for Youth Ministry Father Glenford Lowe inspired the over 30 participants, 05 group coordinators and 06 animators [scholastics from Don Bosco Youth Centre Pune], with a brief introduction to DBYS and the concept of Retreatainment.

The exciting event is an annual DBYS feature with the focus on sharing the faith and a moment for catechesis, through film-viewing. Usually, the Retreatainment happens with all the participants physically gathered at one spot to watch a movie, and thereafter discuss it. However, this year, due to the prevailing circumstances, keeping in mind the difficulties that watching the film together online would entail, participants were asked to watch the film by themselves prior to the day of Retreatainment, at their own convenience.

The first part of Retreatainment 2020 began with a quick quiz consisting of quotes and stills from the movie conducted by DBYS member Cletus Dsouza. The latter part of the evening was spent in 05 smaller groups, each having a DBYS coordinator and a scholastic-animator. Don Bosco who always believed that the young and their needs are of utmost importance wished an atmosphere that was filled with fun, growth and presence.

Group coordinators Tina Rosario, Sheldon Sequeira, Cletus D’souza, Charleston D’sa and Beverly D’souza along with the assigned DBYC Pune scholastic-animators, conducted icebreakers and games while animating and facilitating 'faith-sharing', the major highlight of the event. Austin Edward, a participant said, “Indeed the sharing and lively spirit brought me to realise the significance of the film God's Not Dead, and He is surely alive and working.” The event concluded in the smaller groups itself, with each group ending their sharing in their own unique manner following which participants were asked to fill out an online feedback form. It was indeed a blessing and a learning for all to like, love and live the faith.