Youth 2000 memories

On Saturday, September 14, we gathered at Holy Faith Convent, Couva for Homecoming. This was a one-day retreat to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Youth 2000 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The day began with Praise and Worship, with an opportunity for participants to share their memories of past Youth 2000. Two members of the team Bevan Gibson and Allyson Roberts shared testimonies of their experiences at Youth 2000 and how it has affected their lives.

We shared the history of how Youth 2000 came to Trinidad and Tobago. The persons instrumental in bringing Youth 2000 here were namely Fr Neil Rodriguez CSSp (now deceased) and Sr Therese Dookeran OP. We shared memories of the first Youth 2000 and recalled some of the various locations where Youth 2000 were held.

We spoke of the highlights of the weekends: The Mass, the International Rosary, the Crowning of Mary, the Marian talks, the vocation call, rosary making, and the music.

We had a talk by Fr Trevor Nathasingh who shared his experience with Fr Neil. Fr Nathasingh spoke on the power of the Eucharist and how we need to be transformed by this power and use this change to transform our country.

Before lunch, we were led in a guided reflection by Sr Gail Jagroop OP who also shared her journey with Youth 2000.

The lunch break allowed us an opportunity to catch up with friends we haven’t seen for a while.

After the lunch break, we had a quiz on Youth 2000 History, the answers were all covered in the morning session. This was followed by a talk by Fr Kellan Scott OP. Father spoke on the weight of the cross but also the mercy of God and that we must not fall into despair and become frustrated but that we need to maintain peace in ourselves to be able to bring peace to our world.

After this talk, we said the International Rosary. While preparing for Mass, we prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Throughout the day, there were priests available for Confession.

The day ended with Mass at which Fr Kellan was the celebrant. Sr Therese was able to be with us for the Mass. There was a small sharing after Mass and many persons seemed reluctant to leave.

—Dierdre Charles