Youth Pasch 2025: Pilgrims of Hope: Rooted in Love and Service
They said, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” We replied, “Come and See.”
The Youth Pasch 2025, was organized by Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS), at Don Bosco Sulcorna from 16th April to 20th April. 46 young people, 12 volunteers and 6 animators started the spiritual endeavor with great enthusiasm and hope in the promises of the Lord.
The theme for this year, “Pilgrims of Hope: Marching towards the Promised Land,” captured the essence of the spiritual journey undertaken by each young person present. Rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Holy Triduum, Youth Pasch seeks to help participants walk closely with Christ through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection — not merely as a remembrance, but as a lived experience: the personal encounter with the Lord Jesus.
This year’s Pasch was led and animated by a dedicated team of spiritual guides: Fr. Simao, Rector of Don Bosco Benaulim; Fr. Austin Fernandes, Director of DBYS; Fr. Constantine, Head Master of Don Bosco Farm High School Sulcorna; along with the support of Fr. Ronald Vaz and Sister Caroline FMA and Cl. Joy. Their collective efforts ensured a nurturing and spiritually rich environment for all involved.
Each day of the Pasch enfolded something new and life changing in sacred tradition and thoughtful liturgy. The Scriptural sessions, insightful meditations, personal and group reflections helped participants to voice out their doubts about faith and strengthen their belief in the PDR of Jesus Christ.
On Maundy Thursday, participants had a unique experience of washing of the feet and understood need of forgiveness in life. Finding their place at the banquet of the Lord and taking part with great pride in it left lasting memories to deepen love for the Holy Eucharist.
Good Friday was marked by silence, solemnity, and deep personal reflection. Through the Way of the Cross, the Good Friday service, and the opportunity for confession, the participants were invited to contemplate the suffering and sacrifice of Christ in a meaningful way.
Holy Saturday was a day of silent anticipation — a spiritual pause filled with preparation and hope for the Resurrection. The evening vigil built a sense of collective excitement and reverence for the Easter celebration that followed.
Easter Sunday was a moment of great joy. New members made their formal commitment to the Don Bosco Paschers family, while those who had previously experienced the joy of the Risen Lord returned to renew their promises. This generational continuity added to the richness of the celebration, highlighting the enduring power of the Pasch experience.
The final day of the retreat focused on the anointing and invocation of the Holy Spirit. This act symbolized the participants’ readiness to carry forward the spirit of the Pasch into their lives — in their families, parishes, schools, and communities.
A Lasting Impact
Youth Pasch 2025 was not just a spiritual retreat — it was a transformative journey that deeply touched the hearts of all who participated. It fostered a strong sense of faith, belonging, and commitment to service. For many, it was an encounter that transcended words.
The Pasch continues to stand as one of the most impactful youth faith experiences in the DBYS calendar. With each passing year, it not only renews the Church’s youngest members but also strengthens the spirit of the Don Bosco family — united in Christ, journeying together as true Pilgrims of Hope.
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- Precious Fernandes (DBYS Youth Co-Ordinator) and Fr. Austin Fernandes sdb
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