A day of faith shared with young people
March 31, 2025, was a special date for more than a hundred young people in Karwar, India. Accompanied by Sister Adorer Freshina Lopes, they participated in a Lenten pilgrimage from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, as part of the spiritual journey proposed for Jubilee 2025.
The initiative was organized by Father Wilson D’Souza, head of the Karwar Deanery, together with youth leaders from both the state and local deanery. The goal was to live a meaningful day of prayer, fellowship, and inner renewal.
Jubilee route through designated churches
Throughout the day, the youth visited the four churches that the Bishop of the Diocese of Karwar designated as Jubilee churches. In each of them, they were able to obtain the plenary indulgence, a grace-filled gift offered through this Jubilee 2025.
Time to pray, reflect, and reconcile
The pilgrimage program was full of meaningful moments: Liturgy of the Hours (in the morning and afternoon), a formative talk, Stations of the Cross, Eucharist, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Each moment offered space to reconnect with Jesus and with oneself, in an atmosphere of recollection and hope.
Lent lived with intensity
Beyond the physical journey, the young people experienced a true inner pilgrimage. They reflected on Christ’s love, His sacrifice on the cross, and the call to forgive and be forgiven. The sense of community and faith helped many renew their Christian commitment and their desire to continue growing spiritually.
A young Church that walks together
Not everything was solemn; there were also songs, laughter, and joyful moments. Above all, this pilgrimage was a testimony that the Church is alive and that young people are thirsty for God. The close presence of religious sisters, like our Sr. Freshina, helped give a face and presence to the vocation of consecrated life among the youth.
This activity, within the context of the Jubilee of Hope 2025, is another opportunity to encourage a real encounter with Jesus—one that touches the heart, transforms us from within, and helps us change, opening ourselves to God’s forgiveness and His infinite mercy. Only then can we reflect that same mercy toward those who think differently or from whom we have drifted away.
