By Alisha Khemali for BIS Mumbai

On March 14, 2026, the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Pune Region organised a deeply enriching Lenten Pilgrimage for the youth of Poona. Around 40 young participants embarked on this spiritual journey to Don Bosco Lonavala and Karjat, seeking not just a destination, but a deeper encounter with God.

The pilgrimage began at Don Bosco Lonavala, not with footsteps, but with reflection. Brother Royston set the tone with a thought-provoking Lenten talk, inviting everyone to see Lent as a journey of walking with God. He beautifully illustrated life as a path with four roads: the road of pleasure, the road of power, the road of escape, and the road of the cross. While the road of pleasure leaves one empty, the road of power leads to pride, and the road of escape ends in despair. It is only the road of the cross that leads to true life.

Following the talk, the atmosphere transitioned into a sacred silence. In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, the youth entered into a moment of Eucharistic Adoration - a personal, “face-to-face” encounter with the Divine. The SYM youth led this time of prayer, creating a space where hearts could open freely. This was accompanied by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where many experienced the grace of healing and renewal. In the stillness of Lonavala, the noise of the outside world faded, allowing the whispers of the soul to be heard more clearly.

The journey then continued to Karjat, where the heart of the pilgrimage unfolded   a three-hour, night-time Way of the Cross. In the darkness of the night, illuminated only by torches and moonlight, the experience took on a deeply personal and raw dimension. This was not merely a recitation of prayers, but a lived experience.

At each station, the youth were invited to reflect on their own lives. They courageously shared their struggles, failures, and the constant effort to rise again. They spoke of the “Veronicas” and “Simons” in their lives - those who stood by them and helped carry their crosses. At the same time, they acknowledged the parts of themselves - their ego, fears, and negative habits that needed to be surrendered and “nailed to the cross. “

The mountainside transformed into both a confessional and a sanctuary. In an atmosphere of trust and acceptance, reflections were shared openly, and each person was listened to with compassion and without judgment. It became a true moment of accompaniment and community.

The climax of the pilgrimage came at one of the most profound hours of the night. At 2:30 a.m., atop the mountain, surrounded by the cool night breeze, the youth gathered for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Dinesh Vasava, SDB, a moment that brought together the emotional, and spiritual journey into one sacred encounter.

One of the participants, Tanya, beautifully expressed her experience:
“There was a specific kind of ‘spiritual mountain-top experience’ that occurs when one celebrates Mass in the wilderness. As the priest lifted the Host against the backdrop of the dark sky, the symbolism was unmistakable. Christ is the light that the darkness cannot overcome. Receiving the Eucharist after the gruelling climb and the emotional depth of the Way of the Cross felt like a true homecoming. It was a reminder that while the journey of faith involves struggle, the destination is always communion. “

This Lenten Pilgrimage was more than just a physical trek; it was a journey of transformation   from noise to silence, from burden to surrender, and from darkness to light. It reminded every participant that walking the road of the cross is not easy, but it is the only road that leads to life. After the Way of the Cross, the youth gathered in a quiet circle for faith-sharing. One by one, hearts spoke of struggles carried, tears hidden, and moments where God felt so close.

They arrived as individuals, but returned as a community - strengthened, renewed, and gently drawn closer to Christ on the road of the Cross.