The Madhya Maharashtra region organized Faith Fest 2021 at Ahmednagar from 27th to 28th November inviting youth from Bableshwar, Lonavla, Nasik and Ahmednagar to “Come and Taste His Love”.
The youth were asked to register themselves by 3.00 p.m on 27th November, 2021, followed by which a short but meaningful prayer service was animated with their help to commence this faith-filled programme by invoking God’s presence. Sr. Rita Lobo, the animator of the community of Ahmednagar then officially declared the Faith Fest open and cordially welcomed the young gathering to have an enriching experience with the Lord. Fr. Richard SDB, the Rector of the Salesian Community at Ahmednagar also addressed the gathering, inviting them to make the best of the opportunity that is provided to them, making time to be away from the normal hustle and bustle of life to spend quality time with the Creator.
Following this, the youth were divided into colour-coded groups, after which, a short ice-breaker session helped to widen the circle of their friends. After this they had a session on the Eucharist, followed by which the youth participated in a meaningful celebration of the Eucharist. Kept on their toes between games, action songs and topics to be creatively presented, the first day was hallmarked by the Praise and Worship session animated by the “Connectors” and the lighting of the first candle of Advent.
The second day began with contemplating God’s marvels in nature. The youth were then led to appreciate different gifts of life through a self-animated session carried out in silence and reflection. Following this session, the youth were led to realize that each of them is loved and appreciated by God and called to Sanctity. The youth then partook of the Sacrament of Reconciliation while being continually in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord. In the later half of the day, the youth presented the topics allotted to their respective groups in very creative ways, followed by the prize distribution ceremony. The fest came to an end with a meaningful celebration of the Eucharist.
While expressing their gratitude for the enriching experience provided to them at this opportune time, some of them gave the following feedback: “We experienced something new about ourselves and about our knowledge of God in order to increase our faith. The best thing that we did is we communicated with “God” who is within us.” “We realized that time is so precious and from now on we will pray every day and spend time with God” “We are grateful to the Sisters for making us alert and aware from our busy life and our mistakes. Thanking the Sisters for this Faith Fest giving us Jesus and thinking about us above all.” We wish that the young carry home Jesus with them and bring Him to others through the rich experience that they have had in the company of each other. Thus may they live up to their pledge of being “CHRISTOS” to the world today.
