In collaboration with the Diocesan Youth Centre, the Arnold Seva Kendra (ASK Goa) hosted a Migrant Youth Lenten Retreat on March 22 in Goa, southwest India, bringing together enthusiastic migrant youth from across the state.
Arnold Seva Kendra (ASK) is a social and pastoral initiative of the Society of the Divine Word in Goa, focusing on the upliftment and empowerment of migrant communities, especially youth. The retreat was held at the SVD seminary in Raia, South Goa.
The day began with a warm welcome by Fr. Michael Pereira, SVD, animator of the Migrant Youth Group, who invited participants to open their hearts to God’s grace. This was followed by a prayerful session of praise and worship led by Fr. Cranston Vaz, SVD, helping the youth focus on God’s presence.
In his session, Fr. Michael reflected on the temptations of Jesus in the desert, relating them to the struggles faced by young people today, and encouraged participants to remain rooted in prayer and Scripture. Fr. Cranston Vaz, in his motivating talk, reminded the youth of their responsibility as the future of the Church and society, urging them to live with courage and conviction. The SVD seminarians and Migrant Youth Group leaders animated the gathering with songs and interactive activities, fostering unity and active participation.
The afternoon turned more reflective with Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing moments of silence, healing, and spiritual renewal. The youth then participated in the Way of the Cross on the seminary hill, prayerfully reflecting on Christ’s passion amid the serene natural surroundings.
The retreat concluded with an Eucharistic celebration. In his closing message, Fr. Michael Pereira, SVD, thanked God for the day and expressed gratitude to Fr. Innocent Fernandes, SVD, Rector of the Seminary, the SVD Fathers, Fr. Blaise Lobo, Diocesan Youth Director, and Fr. Heston Ferrao for their support and assistance.
Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Fr. Michael Pereira said the Lenten Retreat aims to nurture the spiritual growth of youth, helping them grow closer to God and reminding them that the group’s true purpose goes beyond activities to deepening faith.
Participants shared their experiences:
- Amita Surin said the retreat helped her slow down, grow in faith, experience inner healing, and draw closer to God through silence and prayer.
- Sushmith G noted that the retreat highlighted the impact of mobile misuse on spiritual growth, encouraged repentance through reflection, and deepened faith through the Way of the Cross.
- Shruti Mehar expressed that the retreat brought her closer to God, providing calm, clarity, inner strength, and a deeply peaceful, spiritually uplifting experience.
The retreat proved to be a grace-filled experience, enabling migrant youth to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God, returning with renewed faith, hope, and a deeper commitment to Christ-centered living.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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