By Fr Jerome Edison for BISMumbai

On 24 February 2024, the local vocation team headed by Frs Bosco Carvalho and Shaun D’Lima along with the young people of Don Bosco Church, Makarpura, organised a night vigil prayer service with the theme "Safar and Suffer" as part of their Lenten preparation. Around 60 young people attended this event with much excitement.

The youth were warmly welcomed by Fr Issac Arackaparambil, the Rector and Parish Priest, who set the spiritual tone for the night and encouraged everyone to embark on a journey of self-discovery and deepened faith. Action songs and biblical dumb charades allowed the participants to form groups, and promote fellowship and mutual support while blending active participation, learning, and enjoyment.

A brief break with refreshments allowed for fellowship and informal conversations on the theme of the vigil. The idea was to understand suffering as a part of the journey of life The atmosphere once again charged with praise as worship songs in English, Hindi, and Gujarati were sung. The sessions led the young people into a deep encounter with God as the theme of suffering was explained with symbolic acts, songs, and interactive discussions. It facilitated personal reflections, deepening their understanding of the scripture, traditions, church, and life holistically. The questions of the young people were addressed with the sharing of spiritual experiences by the vocation team.

The gathering then took part in Jericho March, with lit candles praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Rosary. During the march, they reflected on the theme of forgiveness and compassion of God in life’s journey. The Taizé prayer of chanting hymns, intertwined with confessions and the symbolic act of nailing sins to the Cross became a profound moment of spiritual renewal. The pinnacle of the night was reached with the Holy Eucharist that united the young people in shared devotion. As dawn approached the youth bid farewell with a blessing, carrying the essence of the vigil into their lives.

Mr Shreyas Parmar said, "The night vigil became an unforgettable spiritual journey. It has nurtured a deeper connection to faith and fostered a sense of unity within the youth of the parish. It was a moment of divine grace and spiritual renewal.”