SHAH ALAM — The Church of the Divine Mercy was lit by candlelight as 190 young people gathered to experience a personal encounter with the passion of Christ via the Way of the Cross specially for youth.
Parish priest Fr Alan Pereira and assistant priest Fr Michel Dass had expressed their desire to have a reflection of Christ’s journey up Mount Calvary that was relevant to youths, one that helped them connect with Jesus’ passion and death.
Fr Michel said youth may struggle to connect with the conventional Way of the Cross devotions, and that this prayer session was a way to address that.
Recognising the unique struggles and hardship faced by young people, Fr Michel was moved to help youth embrace prayer and find rest in the Spirit, especially in these days leading up to Holy Week.
Youth from neighbouring parishes such as Our Lady of Lourdes and St Thomas More as well as students from CDM’s catechism class and Catholic Varsity Students (CVS) were also present for this event.
The event started at 8.00pm, with an opening prayer led by Fr Michel. He then gave a brief reflection, tying the lives of the youth to Christ’s act of salvation on the cross. In between reflections and prayers, hymns were sung. The combination of reflections that the youth could relate to and affirming songs of Worship enabled the young people to fully participate in this one-of-a-kind journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness.
As the evening drew to a close with the hymn Goodness of God (theme song for last year’s Youth Camp), there was a sense of oneness and compassion in the atmosphere. The youth then gathered for a mamak- themed dinner and fellowship.
The 190-strong crowd was unexpected, a sweet realisation that our young are physically making that journey back and finding their place in CDM.
Ronald, a participant, said it was the simplicity of the event that moved him.
“It was easy for us youth to relate the Way of the Cross to our daily lives, be it at school, college or even at work. It not only brought together youth but did it in a way that put Jesus in the centre of it all,” he said.
Adrienne said she loved how each prayer felt personal, which made it meaningful for her. “With everyone coming together to pray, it felt easier to pray.”
Several other youth who were present that night also shared how the personal reflection on the Way of the Cross, coming just days before Holy Week, would help them embrace Christ’s passion and death. One student from CVS who attended the event questioned if she should join the Catholic faith. After the final hymn, this student approached the KUBM pastoral worker and confirmed her admission into the RCIA programme.
At the end of the night, youth were seen sharing their goodbyes and parting ways with a new-found sense of belonging to the community and a faith strengthened by their participation in the Way of the Cross.
The CDM Youth Ministry would like to thank all the participants for being a part of this wonderful Journey. Special thanks to the youth’s parents for their support. Last, but not least, kudos and thanks to Frs Alan and Michel for their conscientious effort in putting together this meaningful event. Heads up to the young people: Keep an eye out for our upcoming event in the next few weeks! See you then, God bless .
