By Angela Saby for BIS Mumbai

On March 28, 2026, the youth of Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, Pune embarked on a prayerful journey to the House of Prayer Retreat Centre, Nuns Hill, Khandala, for a meaningful Way of the Cross. Set amidst a serene and reflective environment, the gathering offered the youth an opportunity to deepen their Lenten experience through prayer and fellowship.

The Way of the Cross began with an opening prayer, where the youth were invited to surrender their struggles, doubts, fears, and hopes to the Lord. This set a personal and prayerful tone for the journey ahead, helping each participant prepare their hearts for the experience.

As they moved from one station to another, each station included reflections that connected the Passion of Christ to the realities of young people today. This resonated deeply with the lives of the youth, helping them connect their personal experiences with the Passion of Christ in a meaningful and relatable way.

A special part of the Way of the Cross was the sharing at every station. The youth openly shared their thoughts and experiences connected to each station, creating a space of honesty, vulnerability, and understanding. During one such sharing, a member spoke about how he tries to forgive others by remembering that everyone is going through struggles we may not know about, and that we are called to be empathetic. Many others also shared how their close friends play an important role in their lives, supporting them and loving them unconditionally. Several youth also spoke about their success stories, attributing them to continued faith in God and perseverance during challenging times. These moments of sharing brought the group closer and strengthened their sense of unity and belonging.

The Way of the Cross concluded with a prayerful surrender of the entire youth group at the foot of the Cross, entrusting their lives and journeys to God. This moment of surrender was both peaceful and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on the participants. Following this, the youth gathered at the grotto in the Rosary Garden, where they recited the Rosary, offering special prayers through the intercession of Mother Mary.

The youth also spent meaningful time with Sr Alphonsa at the Jesus and Mary Convent, where they learned about the history of the Rosary Garden and the different stations for the Way of the Cross which are built there. They were inspired to hear how it came into being through the intercession of Mother Mary and reflected on its significance as a place that continues to welcome and guide many pilgrims.

The day was enriched with moments of fellowship, prayer, and reflection, leaving the participants with a renewed sense of faith and purpose. This experience served as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of journeying together with Christ, especially during the Lenten season.