by Fr Ashwin Macwan for BIS Mumbai

Amrutdhara Don Bosco hosted a five-day Youth Pasch from April 9 to 13, 2025. With the theme “Hope in Christ,” the event was designed to guide Catholic youth in deepening their spiritual understanding and preparing for the profound reflections of the forthcoming Holy Week.

The event opened on the first evening with an inaugural session led by Fr Ashwin Macwan SDB. In his welcoming address, he set the tone for the days ahead by outlining the logistics and inviting everyone to join in the collective journey of faith. Participants and volunteers alike were encouraged to watch the film Life of Christ, a gesture aimed at enriching their perspective on Jesus’s life and ministry.

The second day was steeped in symbolism and self-reflection. Early morning meditation sessions empowered the youth to write down personal commitments, reinforcing a sense of individual accountability and spiritual growth. In a poignant reflection of humility and service, participants engaged in the symbolic washing of the feet. Divided into three groups, they experienced this ritual first-hand—a dynamic exercise that fostered community and empathy.

Sr Mary Cerian FMA led the morning session with an exploration of self-awareness, love, and relationships. Following this, the group embarked on a reflective journey reminiscent of the Exodus, delving into personal and collective paths of transformation. The evening unfolded with an uplifting Eucharistic Celebration where Fr Macwan emphasized the transformative power of Christ’s love. To round out the day, the participants shared an evocative Seder meal, reconnecting with ancient rituals that resonate with contemporary experiences of faith.

The third day brought a deeply introspective dimension to the event. In a solemn meditation, the youth reflected on their sins by writing them on paper, which they then symbolically nailed to a cross. Fr Macwan guided a series of interactive activities designed to elucidate the concepts of death, sin, and forgiveness. Later, participants found moments of quiet solitude amidst the tranquillity of a labyrinth garden, providing personal space for prayer and reflection.

As dusk approached, the symbolic “Way of the Cross”—a path crafted from the participants’ own writings and reflections—was animated during the evening session. The Eucharistic Celebration of the night revisited the themes of sacrifice and redemption, with Fr Ashwin Macwan offering an emotional explanation of the death of Jesus, inviting everyone to contemplate the profound mystery of divine love and sacrifice.

The fourth day was marked by powerful rituals symbolizing renewal and rebirth. During the morning meditation, participants constructed a symbolic cross of their lives and reunited it with the written sins from the previous day. In a moving ceremony, the crosses were burned—a symbolic act representing the purification and renewal of the spirit.

The day continued with a reflective experience of the empty tomb, giving the participants a tangible sense of the Resurrection. A dedicated time for confession allowed the youth to seek reconciliation and spiritual cleansing. The Eucharist celebrated by Fr Agnel James SDB further deepened the communal bond. In his homily, Fr Macwan reminded everyone how the Mother Church beckons the faithful to partake in the Resurrection of Christ, underscoring the event’s core message: hope and renewal.

The Youth Pasch concluded with an evaluation session where participants shared feedback on the transformative experience. In his final address, Fr Macwan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SYM volunteers and everyone who contributed to the success of the event. A special acknowledgement was extended to Sr Mary Cherian FMA, whose support and guidance were instrumental throughout the Youth Pasch.

As the community of young Catholics parted ways, the echoes of hope in Christ continued to resonate, promising to guide them through the challenges of life and into the light of spiritual renewal.