by Fr Bento D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

Seventy-five students from Auxilium Convent School, Savedi, experienced a transformative spiritual retreat at Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), Kedgaon, Ahmednagar, spending an entire day immersed in faith, fellowship, and reflection. The event welcomed students from Standards 1 to 10, representing both Catholic and Protestant denominations, as they gathered for what was aptly titled “A Day with the Lord”.

From the early morning hours, the atmosphere was charged with the energy of young hearts seeking deeper meaning in their faith. The day opened with a reflective prayer song by Don Moen, creating a serene yet powerful beginning. In front of the grotto, the group participated in an engaging dyadic interview ice-breaker, helping the students bond as they prepared to dive deeper into the day’s spiritual journey. Ms Riya then led them in a lively action song, “Jambo, Jesus Loves You”, lifting their spirits and encouraging everyone to sing and dance together.

As the morning progressed, the students took part in skits and poster-making sessions, portraying six significant Biblical locations: Bethlehem, Capernaum, the River Jordan, Nazareth, Gethsemane, and Jerusalem. Divided into six groups, each team brought to life the history and meaning of these sacred places through creative performances, transforming the grounds of BGVK into a living mosaic of Christian tradition. 

The event then shifted to a moment of deep reflection as Fr George D’Abreo captivated the students with the story of Zambie, interwoven with an exploration of the theme of being created: “I am the image and likeness of God”. Through a dynamic dialogue of questions and answers, Fr D’Abreo invited the students to think about their own connection with God and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, allowing them to engage with their faith on a personal level.

An uplifting action song followed, led once again by Ms Riya, “Who Give the Fa Fa Faith”, had everyone tapping their feet in joyful praise and reinforcing the day’s vibrant, worshipful spirit.

After a shared meal, the focus turned to Jesus’ miracles, as the students enacted scenes from the Wedding at Cana, the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish, the Calming of the Storm, the Healing of the Woman with Hemorrhage, the Raising of Jairus’s Daughter, and the Resuscitation of Lazarus. 

In the afternoon, Catholic students were given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, while Christian students engaged in counselling sessions. This time of spiritual renewal was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist, which marked the culmination of the day. The homily delivered during the Mass called the students to live as “radical Christians," drawing from the teachings and example of Jesus to lead lives of meaning and purpose.

Sr Betty FMA brought the event to a close with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing her appreciation for all those who made the day possible. With the final action songs sung with gusto and joy, the students returned home, not just physically tired but spiritually invigorated, ready to face their lives as renewed individuals.