Report of DYC Lenten Retreat 2023
The Diocesan Youth Centre, organized a Lenten Retreat for the youngsters of the Archdiocese of Goa-Daman on 12th March, 2023 at Taleigao Community Centre. The preparations for the same was initiated more than 3 months before and involved immense planning and preparation. A team of youngsters along with the Executive committee headed by the Director, Fr. Savio D’souza put in a lot of hard work, effort and time, in spite of their work schedule and studies.
The theme for the day was ‘Come to Me and I will give you rest.’ A total of 1250 youngsters were in attendance. Innovative photobooths consisting of biblical scenes, such as ‘The last Supper’ and ‘Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan Woman at the well’ were on display. There was also another scene of Jesus seated on a bench, waiting for a youngster’s company. This was for the youngsters, a moment of encounter as well as a moment to be framed with Jesus. The whole venue was also aptly decked up with biblical quotes and images of Jesus’ encounter with youngster’s, making it a perfect ambience for a Lenten Retreat.
The day began with the youngsters tapping their feet to the Praise and Worship and singing their hearts out to the Lord with an enthusiastic band helping with the same. Thereafter, Fr. Savio gave a beautiful session on the theme of the day, wherein every youngster was invited to ask, “Where am I” to Jesus’ call of, “Come to me.” He focused upon the life of a youngster and how we tend to move far away from God when He is always close to us. He reminded every youngster that it was never too late for us to go to our Lord as He is waiting for us with arms open wide.
A Eucharistic Celebration followed thereafter with Fr. Sydney Dias, the Deanery Priest Youth Animator of the Canacona Deanery being the main Celebrant. The later part of the evening was dedicated to the sacrament of confession and simultaneously Taizé Prayer was conducted to help the youngsters reflect on their life. It was a scene to behold as youngsters sat around the crucifix, in an atmosphere of lighted candles, deemed lights, melodious chants and a biblical reflection that was the accompaniment for the same. Simultaneously, confessions were held in the premises wherein 22 priests helped these youngsters to lift their burden of sin to Jesus and seek forgiveness.
A memorable activity soon followed. Ms. Neshvillie helped the youngsters prepare a beautiful rosary of the 7 sorrows of Mother Mary while Fr. Savio helped in the reflections. The youngsters got to interact with each other, they reflected on their life and wrote down a few resemblances to Mary’s life on a small booklet, exchanged a bead every time, recite a Hail Mary and then tied the beads together to form a rosary. A customized cross was finally attached thereafter to the rosary for its completion.
Finally with a brief praise and worship that had the crowds shouting with joy, the youngsters left the venue with memories to cherish and a wonderful introspection for the preparation of the passion, dead and resurrection of Christ.