by Brother Ian Pinto
NASHIK, DEC 4, 2918: Over a hundred Catholic youth from in and around Nashik gathered in Divyadaan for ‘Symbios 2018’
on December 2. Symbios stands for Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) and BIOS is the basic software that allows computers to work. So the term ‘Symbios’ implies: Salesian Youth Movement as the basic way of life for young people.
The day was systematically planned and incorporated a range of activities and learning opportunities for the youth. The event began at 9.30 am with icebreakers that encouraged the youth to mix and mingle, while building up a rapport with the organisers and with each other.
The input session was followed by a lively open forum conducted in groups, wherein the youth were encouraged to raise questions, share reflections and experiences with regards to the faith. Although for most of them this was a new experience and they appeared slightly reserved at first, they began to open up and discuss pertinent themes, so that the session had to be prolonged slightly to accommodate the sharing of all.
The brothers of Divyadaan organised an energetic game that kept the youth entertained. The group was then led into prayer, which included Adoration and Reconciliation. Moving Confessions along with the real presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament created a powerful impact. The serenity of making peace with God was immediately followed with a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration. Father Cletus D’Souza celebrated Holy Mass and enthused the youth with his homily.
Following Mass, the youth put their mobile phones to work, snapping dozens of pictures with friends both old and new. The photo booth which was specially designed for this purpose attracted a lot of smiling faces and camera flashes.