Natasha Almeida
LONAVLA, APRIL 5, 2010: Don Bosco, Lonavla has got a charm of its own because of its nature's gift and the Apostolic aspirantate Boarding for the future Salesians of the Mumbai Province. It was at this place that the Youth Pasch 2010 was experienced by twenty three working youth of Mumbai. The Youth Pasch is a beautiful experience of the Holy Week to understand and celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ. The Pasch began with the train journey to Lonavla on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. It was conducted by Fr. Brian Moras and Fr. Glenford Lowe assisted by Br. Jesu, Br. Michael, Br. Charles and Ms. Bibiana. It was a time of soul searching, grace and learning spiced with fun and action.
After a round of introductions and ice breakers the previous night, Maundy Thursday, the first day of the Pasch focused on the signing of the Pasch Commitment in the morning. On the same day the participants took on an Exodus journey. It was a fascinating personal soul searching program based on the second book of the Old Testament each of the passages were taken giving a contemporary reflection, considering life as journey making one aware of one’s enslavement leading to liberty and freedom. post lunch preparations for the evening service followed group wise. The icing on the cake was the Seder meal and washing of each others feet in the evening. The whole day brought out the values of Humility and Servanthood in each of the participants. “We saw ourselves in a different light today”, mentioned one of the participants.
On the second day of the Youth Pasch the focus was on the Passion and death of Jesus. With the Labyrinth experience in the morning the participants had the opportunity to let go of the past, accept the present and surrender their future to the Lord. The inward and outward journeys of the Labyrinth allowed the participants to spend time with and challenge themselves. It was a prayer that allowed one to experience the mystery of God in a tangible way. The labyrinth is more about the journey than the destination, about being rather than doing. It reminded one that no time or effort in life is ever wasted, for each step takes us toward the center and moves us closer to God and self. The Good Friday service in the evening was integrated with the Way of the Cross and was well animated and personalized by the Paschers
Holy Saturday focused on the ‘empty tomb’. Through the sessions during the day the Paschers realized that they have to die to their old selves and rise again to become a whole new person in Christ. Preparations for the Easter vigil followed post lunch. The Vigil was solemnly celebrated with melodious singing and a well animated liturgy. A set of well prepared games kept the youngsters busy through the night.
The three days brought out enough talent and potential of every participant. The whole experience was not only spiritual but also youthful. It made the participants stop and think. YP 2010 was indeed a unique Easter experience. To top it all the sharing sessions and the friends made along the way made the Pasch a memorable encounter with Jesus. The celebration indeed has begun with the Risen Lord! Hallelujah!