Considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this Youth Pasch sought to help participants walk closely with Christ and have a deeper experience of His Passion, Death and Resurrection — an experience you might not have anywhere else.

This year’s Pasch was led and animated by a combination of a truly dynamic and enthusiastic team of spiritual directors namely, Vice Provincial, Father Banzelao Teixeira, Organiser Father Austin Fernandes along with the support of Father Constantine Fernandes, Father Ronald Vaz, Father Francis Britto, administrator of provincial house, Provincial, Father Clive Telles and Rector of Provincial House, Fr Joel D’Souza. Their teamwork and leadership enriched the youth with a new outlook on the holy week, deepened their faith, and gave them hope for a renewed sense of self.

Each day of the Pasch, something new unfurled. It gave mixed feelings of excitement and inquisitiveness, having the question constantly ringing in one’s mind: What is next? Be it personal reflection, group discussions with our volunteers, discussions with the animators, liturgical preparations, or the way of the cross, all proved to draw us closer to Christ.

Key highlights included personal reflections and group discussions, which helped participants bond more closely. It also helped them address certain doubts and find clarity on unanswered questions that perhaps never came up due to fear of being judged.

Maundy Thursday was an extraordinary experience! Participants felt they were truly a part of the Passover festival. They experienced the pain the Israelites went through. They were not spectators; they lived and celebrated the Holy Eucharist with Jesus.

The day of sorrow and reflection, Good Friday, was marked by silence and personal reflection through the Way of the Cross and preparation of the Good Friday service. It helped the participants to understand the pain of Jesus and how merciful He was until his last breath. The sacrament of confession was extremely overwhelming. The priests offered ample time to every faithful to unburden their hearts and seek purification of their souls.

Holy Saturday was a day of stillness and the eagerness of a hopeful resurrection. The evening vigil built a sense of collective elation and reverence for the Easter celebration that followed. Despite the exhaustion, the long night felt like it would never end. The Easter party was a new experience altogether. It was truly a celebration for the Risen Lord.

Easter Sunday, the day of departure, was unexpectedly a tearful moment for both, marked by great joy at the beautiful experience and a feeling of sadness, as none of the participants and organisers wanted to leave the amazing place and return to their realities.

The Youth Pasch 2026 was and is an everlasting memory! It wasn’t just a spiritual retreat; it was indeed a transformative journey that touched not just the hearts of the participants but also their spirits. It instilled a sense of belonging, a stronger faith and commitment to service, to take forward the values and teachings of the Pasch to society as a whole. Every year, it strengthens and extends the Don Bosco family.