Young Catholics in Shillong Deepen Faith Through Holy Week Retreat

Shillong, April 7, 2026: In a prayerful observance of Holy Week, the Young Catholic Students (YCS) of the Archdiocese of Shillong organised a three-day annual retreat that drew over a hundred young participants into a deeper encounter with the mystery of the Cross.

Held from April 2 to 4 at the Don Bosco Pastoral Centre, the retreat brought together 108 students—91 from schools and 17 from colleges—representing 14 institutions across the region. Centred on the theme “Discovering God in the Cross,” the programme offered a rich blend of prayer, reflection, and interactive engagement.

The retreat was animated by Fr. Timothy Gangmei, Secretary and Counsellor at Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai. Through a series of spiritually grounded sessions, he guided participants in reflecting on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ, while relating these themes to the realities faced by young people today.

Participants were organised into ten groups, each named after symbols associated with Holy Week, fostering a spirit of community and participation from the outset. Sessions introducing the vision and mission of the YCS movement helped set a reflective tone for the days ahead.

A notable moment of inspiration came through a presentation on Carlo Acutis, whose life of Eucharistic devotion and digital evangelisation was proposed as a model of holiness for today’s youth. The reflection encouraged participants to embrace faith as both relevant and attainable in contemporary life.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist formed the spiritual centre of the retreat, inviting participants to reflect on Christ’s self-giving love, particularly through the symbolism of the washing of the feet and the offering of the Living Bread. This was complemented by a symbolic Passover meal and community-building activities.

Good Friday observances brought a solemn dimension, beginning with Lectio Divina and followed by reflections on the meaning of the Cross as a sign of redemption. A creatively adapted Way of the Cross enabled participants to connect Christ’s suffering with present-day challenges. The Passion Service further deepened the atmosphere of prayer and contemplation.

A highlight of the retreat was the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through guided preparation, including a reflection on the Prodigal Son, many participants approached the sacrament with openness, experiencing moments of healing and renewal.

The retreat also provided space for creative expression and dialogue. Group presentations addressed themes such as Eucharistic and Marian devotion, family values, addiction, friendship, and responsible use of social media, using skits, music, and performances to communicate their insights.

The “Faith Got Talent” segment showcased the diverse abilities of participants while reinforcing unity and shared purpose within the YCS community.

Blending structured liturgical moments with interactive sessions, the retreat fostered both spiritual depth and personal engagement. Rooted in the message of the Cross, the initiative offered young Catholics not only a time of reflection but also a renewed call to live out their faith through commitment, service, and witness in daily life.

By Br. George Chichanbemo Patton, SDB YCS/YSM Coordinator, Shillong Archdiocese