by Father Leon Cruz Ratinam for BISMumbai

A 03-day youth retreat was organised by Don Bosco Youth Services [DBYS] Mumbai, to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph on the theme 'Patris Corde' which is the title of the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis on the sesquicentennial of the proclamation of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Church. The retreat held at Don Bosco Lonavla, over the weekend from 26 November to 28 November, was attended by 24 young people.

MumbaiSalesians' ViceProvincial-Father Ashley Miranda presented Patris Corde in a simple and creative way. MumbaiSalesians' Youth Delegate and DBYS Director-Father Leon Cruz organised 'Trails of the Migrant Family', a long trek interspersed with moments of deep reflection on the journey of the Holy Family from Bethlehem to Egypt. Prafulta Youth Counselling Services Director-Father Ajoy Fernandes helped the young people discover their personality types and dealt with issues in the family.

The retreat also had beautiful moments that included nature meditation, Taize prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The young people returned physically refreshed and spiritually nourished, with the blessings of St. Joseph.