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The Youth Pasch 2026, was organized by Don Bosco Youth Services, Salesian Province of Panjim-Konkan (DBYS), at Don Bosco Provincial House, Odxel- Goa, a place with an extremely scenic beauty, from April 1 to April 6, 2026. The entire team consisted of 50 participants, 08 volunteers and 6 animators who began their spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ with immense hope, expectations and enthusiasm in their hearts.
Considered it as 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.
Each day of the Pasch, something new unfurled. It gave mixed feelings of excitement and inquisitiveness, having the question constantly ringing in mind, what is next? Be it the personal reflection, group discussions along with our volunteers, followed by discussions with the animators, liturgical preparations or way of the cross, all proved to draw us closer to Christ.
Key highlights were the personal reflection and group discussions, which helped participants bond more closely. It also helped them to speak about certain doubts and find clarity on some unanswered questions that were perhaps never asked 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 the spectators, but 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 amount of time to every faithful to unburden hearts and seek for purification of their souls.
Holy Saturday was a day of stillness as well as 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 should have never ended. 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 of both, great joy for the beautiful experience and a feeling of sadness as none of the participants and organisers wanted to leave the amazing place and go back to our realities.
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 paschars with a newer outlook towards the holy week, deepened their faith and gave hope for a renewed personality.
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 imbibed a feeling of belongingness, a stronger feeling of faith and commitment to service, to take forward the values and teachings of the Pasch to the society as a whole. Every year, it strengthens and extends the Don Bosco family.
