Migrant Youth in Goa Renew Faith During Lenten Retreat at SVD Seminary

Goa, March 25, 2026 — Migrant youth from across the state gathered at the SVD Seminary in Raia for the annual Lenten retreat, an initiative jointly organised by the Arnold Seva Kendra Goa in collaboration with the Diocesan Youth Centre Goa. The day-long programme offered participants a spiritually enriching experience marked by prayer, reflection, and fellowship.

The retreat opened with a warm welcome by Michael Pereira, animator of the Migrant Youth Group, who encouraged the young participants to open their hearts to God’s grace during this season of Lent. A prayerful session of praise and worship, led by Cranston Vaz, set a contemplative tone for the day, drawing the youth into a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

In his reflection, Fr. Pereira spoke on the temptations of Jesus in the desert, connecting the Gospel narrative to the challenges faced by young people today. He urged them to remain grounded in prayer and the Word of God. Fr. Vaz, in his address, called on the youth to recognise their role as the future of the Church and society, encouraging them to live with courage and conviction in their daily lives.

The retreat was further animated by the SVD seminarians and leaders of the Migrant Youth Group through music and interactive sessions, fostering a spirit of unity and active engagement among participants.

The afternoon programme invited the youth into deeper reflection through Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering moments of silence, healing, and spiritual renewal. This was followed by the Way of the Cross on the seminary hill, where participants prayerfully journeyed with Christ in His Passion amidst the tranquil natural surroundings.

The retreat culminated in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, bringing together the day’s experiences in thanksgiving and communion.

In his concluding remarks, Fr. Pereira expressed gratitude to God for the graces received and acknowledged the support of Innocent Fernandes, Rector of the Seminary, along with the SVD Fathers, Blaise Lobo, and Heston Ferrao for their assistance in organising the event.

The Lenten retreat offered migrant youth a meaningful opportunity to pause from their daily routines, deepen their relationship with God, and return with renewed faith, hope, and a strengthened commitment to Christ-centred living.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso, OCD