"In the sacred embrace of the Shrine of Our Lady of Health, at Khairthabad, the Youth Commission Archdiocese of Hyderabad conducted a Youth Retreat and Taize prayer on March 23, 2024, for a transformative journey of faith and reflection. Against the backdrop of Lent, this youth retreat emerged as a beacon of spiritual renewal, igniting hearts and minds with the fervor of devotion and the promise of communal unity
The Youth Retreat aimed to gather young individuals from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad for a Lenten spiritual journey. The retreat began with invoking God's blessings with the lighting of the lamp by Rev Fr. Joji SDB, the Youth Director of Salesian province, Rev Fr. Pranith the Diocesan Youth Director and Rev Fr. Michael Selvaraj ,the Parish Priest followed by some action songs by the Parish Youth.
An inspiring and motivational talk was delivered by Rev. Fr Joji SDB on "Returning to the Lord during Lent and living for Christ in every single day of our lives". This talk gave an opportunity to the youth to introspect within themselves and was quite touching. Utilizing the YouCat format a Group discussion was conducted to engage participants in meaningful dialogue and reflection where the youth delved into deep reflections, exploring faith and spirituality in a modern context.
In the line of events, Praise and Worship was led by the Gospel Band of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad fostering a spiritually uplifting atmosphere followed by another captivating and enlightening message by Rev. Fr Pranith DYD on "The importance of Repentance and Confession." It enabled the youth to open their hearts and make a good confession.
With this spirit Adoration and Confessions took place simultaneously offering participants the opportunity for personal reflection, confession, and spiritual renewal.
No event can be complete without the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and hence as a central aspect of the retreat Holy Mass was celebrated allowing attendees to participate in the Eucharistic celebration and finally concluded the retreat with a serene and contemplative Taize prayer and veneration of the Cross.
The retreat provided a platform for youth to deepen their spiritual connection during the Lenten season, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
