By Br Aliester D’Souza for BISMumbai

To celebrate the Paschal Triduum more meaningfully, the Youth Services sector organised its annual event, 'Youth Pasch' at Pune, Lonavla and Kapadvanj from 27 to 31 March 2024. A total of 48 young people participated in the programme.

At Don Bosco, Lonavla, the Youth Pasch was held for the youth of the Mumbai region and was animated by Fr Leon Cruz Ratinam - the Youth Ministry Delegate of the Province - and his team. Each day had a specific theme chosen to enhance one’s experience and make the Youth Pasch a deeper and more heart-touching event. With the themes ‘Love as I Have Loved’ on Maundy Thursday, ‘Forgive as I Have Forgiven’ on Good Friday, and ‘Live as I Have Lived’ on Holy Saturday, the participants were led to deeply understand the Pascal mystery.

Each day’s sessions were detailed and planned creatively so that this once-in-a-lifetime experience would never be forgotten. Apart from the sessions, activities such as the Labyrinth Garden, Seder Meal, the Empty Tomb Experience, and many other group and individual activities helped everyone get closer to their inner selves.

Most participants shared that they had learned of this programme from their friends who had attended it before. Most participants, being working professionals, had to take leaves and make a conscious choice to dedicate themselves to this spiritual experience. The fruit of this commitment was seen in the depth of their sharing and reflections. The participants also availed of the counselling sessions by Fr Ajoy Fernandes.

At Don Bosco Youth Centre, Koregaon Park, Pune, the programme was held mainly for the youth of the Pune region, and it was animated by Fr Dinesh Vasava - the Director of the Salesian Catechetical Centre - and his team. The Pasch was animated with the theme ‘A Dream of Endless Love’. At Kapadvanj, the Youth Pasch was organised for the Gujarat region under the able guidance of Fr Ashwin Macwan - Director of AmrutDhara Don Bosco Animation Centre. Mr Shailesh Christi, Fr Ashwin Mal, and Fr Macwan were the resource persons for the event.

The Paschal Triduum is the summit of the liturgy of the Church. Understanding its importance is essential to every Christian, and the Youth Pasch becomes an occasion to catechise the young about the depth of the Easter mysteries.