THANE: Spending more time with family and getting more involved in helping others, besides fasting and abstaining from meat and other favourite dishes, is the top priority for Catholics from the lake city during the 40 days of Lent.
On Wednesday, Thaneites began their day by going to church and getting their foreheads smeared with ash, which indicates ‘you are dust, and to dust you shall return’. As this year was declared as the Year of the Youth by the Pope, the youth from all parishes across the city have planned to attend missions and reflections during the Lenten
season.
Chiarra Menezes (21) said, “Every year during lent, we all cut down on eating meat and prayer more often. But this is done only for the 40 days after which people get back to their normal routine. As I wanted to do something beyond this I spoke to my church priest and asked him if there is something that I could do which would have an impact others. He advised me to help those who are in need of help. So, I decided to help a few neighbours by teaching them how to play the guitar.”
“My father knows to play the guitar too. So he agreed to help me out with it. This way we will be able to spend a lot more time together,” she added.
Another youth
Anne Joseph (19), a Jamli Naka resident, said, “This is the time when we usually hand over our old clothes and toys to less fortunate children. This year, I have saved up on my pocket money and have bough some toys for street kids. I will be making them some sweets too.”
While many youth have resolved to help people in their vicinity in their own individual way, some have taken up initiatives that will impact the society. “As my parents compost wet waste at home, we have so much fertiliser left and nowhere to keep it. My mother suggested that I use it, which made me think of actually putting it in potted plants and growing small plants to give my friends during the
Lenten season. I have already bought pots and filled it with soil and fertiliser. I will buy seeds and plant them this week. I will then hand out these plants to them on
Easter,” said Clarence Dias (14), a Vrindavan resident.
Speaking about the importance of youth joining these activities, Hiranandani Estate resident Joyce M, said, “We all know that Lent is about self-reflection and penance. But we have to teach our children to also count our blessings and use this season to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Every year during lent, we all cut down on eating meat and prayer more often. But this is done only for the 40 days after which people get back to their normal routine. So this year, I decided to help a few neighbours by teaching them how to play the guitar
