by Brother Akhil Abraham
MUMBAI, APRIL 29, 2019: Over 100 youth participated in prayer-filled leadership camps that were organised by Don Bosco Youth Services, Matunga at Boscowadi Uttan. A Youth Pasch was held at Don Bosco Lonavla in the month of April too.
The first leadership camp for the seniors was held from April 3 to 6, with 55 participants in attendance. The second leadership camp for the juniors was held from April 10 to 13, with 58 boys in attendance at Uttan.
The camps focused on helping youngsters to discover their leadership potential and to learn teamwork. This was done through sessions, workshops, group presentations, competitions, and animated games.
Time was reserved daily for spiritual growth. Well animated Holy Eucharists, Rosaries and morning meditations offered a taste of Salesian Youth Spirituality to the youngsters.
Father McEnroe Lopes, Father Leon Rodriques, Brothers Akhil, and Gaurav were the Salesian animators along with outgoing standard 12 aspirants of Don Bosco Lonavla, who volunteered to ensure that the camps go on smoothly.
To enkindle their faith and find meaning in the events of the Paschal Mystery, 29 post-secondary and working youth also gathered together at Don Bosco Lonavla for a Salesian Youth Pasch from April 17 to 21.
There were various sessions, moments of prayer, and intense discussions on topics like suffering, death, and the new life which made them reflect on their lives and how they need to grow in their love for Jesus.
On interviewing a few, the Exodus journey and the labyrinth prayer garden were two defining moments that helped the youth to get in touch with their inner selves and enabled them to look at life differently. The camps are meant to offer holistic formation to the youth and to help them discover their talents, potential, and grow in devotion.