By Fr Evangelo D’Souza and Mr Rohit Padamadan for BISMumbai

A one-day Lenten pilgrimage program was organised for the youth and altar servers of Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, on 4 March 2023 at Don Bosco Yuva Sanstha, Karjat. Fr Evangelo D’Souza, the Youth Director, co- ordinated the event along with the core-committee of the youth group. 

The pilgrims set off on their journey to Karjat from Yerwada at 6.15 a.m., and throughout the journey, they prayed and sang praises. The people were warmly welcomed as they entered the premises of Don Bosoc Yuva Sanstha, Karjat. After a light breakfast, Fr Brian Boothello oriented the parishioners about the Salesian works at Karjat. Fr D’Souza exhorted each one to put their intentions before the Lord and make a meaningful Way of the Cross. 

The youth and altar servers along with their parents made the Way of the Cross as they challenged themselves through the mountainous trek. It helped them to recall the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. The stations were recited alternatively in English and Marathi. Each one took turns to hold a wooden cross and wear ‘crowns of thorns’. This helped them to experience a bit of the pain that Jesus underwent. The climb got tougher with each station, but with solid determination and enthusiasm everyone completed the climb including small children and the elderly. The Stations of the Cross was prayed meaningfully with song and prayer. 

After making a meaningful Way of the Cross, Fr D’Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, he highlighted that bearing little inconveniences in life and making small sacrifices helps us to resonate with the sufferings of Jesus on Calvary. He exhorted the youth and the adults to witness Jesus by a life of sacrifice. 

In the afternoon, after their meal, everyone enjoyed fun and games. This grabbed the attention of all and it brought out the family spirit among the parishioners. At around 3 p.m., Fr D’Souza thanked Fr Anthony Santarita, the Rector, for the warm hospitality that they had enjoyed at Karjat. Mr Dilip Ghute, a parent, expressed his appreciation for the Fathers, and strongly mentioned that we need to be grateful to priests for the sacrifice they make in bringing people closer to God.