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Date: 1-4, April 2018
Place: Mother Kevin Primary school, SAME

The Easter Conference 2018 for the TYCS Students of the Catholic Diocese of Same was organized at Mother Kevin School, Same. Delegates arrived in the morning of 1st April, from different parts of the Diocese, as they arrived the registration process took place. Volunteers assisted them to their dormitories followed by lunch. From around 23 secondary schools 176 students, 19 youth leaders, 7 teachers, 6 resource person & priests of the diocese were present for the conference.

Day - 1: The Easter Conference for the TYCS Students of the Catholic Diocese of Same was organized at Mother Kevin School, Same. Delegates arrived in the morning from different parts of the Diocese, as they arrived the registration process took place. Volunteers assisted them to their dormitories followed by lunch. From around 23 schools 176 students, 19 youth leaders, 7 teachers, 6 resource person & priests of the diocese were present for the conference.

The Easter Conference started on Maundy Thursday26 April 2018 at 3pm with introductory session conducted by Fr. Alwyn M. J. D'Souza & Mr. Robert, followed by a solemn Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Samuel Mvati, the Youth Director of Same, during the Maundy Thursday mass the students of TYCS were the apostles for the washing of the feet ritual celebration.  After supper adoration of the Blessed Sacrament took place in the Taize prayersetup.   This was a unique experience for our TYCS participants. During the Taize Prayer service students venerated the Holy Cross & experienced the love of God in meditative silence amidst the wonderful Taize chants.   Two hour long inward moving, meditative Taize prayer ambiance was aptly prepared by the young volunteers to befit the somber mood of the Good Friday.  After the Taize prayer students went for bed in complete silence. The organizing committee members came together to evaluate about the days program & to plan for next day’s activities.

Day - 2: The Second Day began with Morning Prayer, after the breakfast students arrived at program hall, Students started animation followed by days first session; The YCS methodology and Know your Movement conducted by Mr. George.  It was first time ever Same Diocesan Students came to know about the origin & history of YCS (Young Christian Students).  After the tea break Fr. Samuel took the session on YCS Spirituality. Thereafter lunch break as well students were busy fine-tuning the Good Friday liturgy. At 3.30 pm Fr. Samuel & Mr. Robert led the Stations of the Cross. It was great and unique experience because for the first time students experienced live videos of every station from the movie Passion of Christ; it helped students to deeply experience the passion & death of our Lord.  After the short tea break we began the Good Friday liturgy led by Fr. Samuel & Fr. Alwyn. After the supper students enjoyed the movie Passion of Christ and went to bed with prayerful mood.

Day - 3:  Easter Saturday was the day where students enjoyed to the full. After two days prayerful mood today it was a day for music & dance and to show their talents. Day began with 'nature meditation' where students experienced unique way of praying and meditation with Mother Nature. After the breakfast students gathered at program hall and they were enjoying the company of animation team.  Though the third day was dedicated to showcase the talents of students but it was bit changed to give a prayer full touch being the Holy Saturday and to continue with Holy Week mood, so students were provided with the opportunity to make their confessions to prepare themselves for the great feast of Easter.  Fr. Samuel prepared them for good confessions. There were 7 priests were available for the Confession from the Diocese of Same.   This was followed by short tea break.

After the tea break there was thought provoking session by Mr. Norbert who travelled with his 2 kids all the way from Dar es Salaam to take session on YCS the Review of Life. Mr. Norbert was former YCS National & African continent leader, today he is business man owns the construction company. His life experience was thrilling and enriched the participants. Students were moved by his deep personal sharing and to know how YCS has changed his life. We could experience how rich and touching this session was by students settling on pin drop silence for more than 3 hours. After lunch break Sr. Bridget Provincial of the Little Sisters of the Poor, took session on Youth Psychology where students could understand the teenage behavior, challenges, problems and how to overcome them.  She is Psychologist and was teaching at the University of Uganda.  She is very much interested to be a part of the Same Diocesan Youth Resource Team.

After these two excellent sessions students were fully motivated about the rich and wonderful YCS Movement, which they belong.   After the short break all joined for the preparations of Easter Vigil Service.Fr. Samuel celebrated the Easter Vigil Mass and Fr. Alwyn was the concelebrant. After the Easter Vigil Mass all had a grand Easter Supper that was prepared for the students. While enjoying the supper around the Campfire, dance and songs made it a very memorable and most enjoyable time. Along with music students showcased their talents of singing, dance; drama etc. students enjoyed the evening to the fullest and with satisfaction went to bed.

Day - 4: The Easter Sunday began with an appropriate prayer service. After the prayer students went back to rearrange the venue and a general cleaning of the campus which followed by breakfast. After the breakfast students gathered for evaluation of the Easter Conference, there were 3 sets of questioners to answer as the part of evaluation; many students expressed how this event helped them and the new experiences, which they experienced these days. After the evaluation they got ready to welcome Most. Rev. Rogath Kimaryo, C.S.Sp the Bishop of Same Diocese. By forming two lines from the gate the participants welcomed the Bishop and began the solemn Easter Sunday Mass. In the homily he preached about the passion death and resurrection of our Lord. He connected the human life specially students and youth how the problems arise in life and if we overcome we will have resurrection called bright future. After the Holy Mass there was a group photo session of all the participants.

After the tea break in the concluding program Bishop handed over the participation certificates to every delegate. Then Bishop addressed the students and honored the outgoing diocesan TYCS Diocesan leader team. Then he honored all volunteers, Viwawa (Youth) leaders, Teachers & Sisters. Fr. Alwyn & Fr. Samuel addressed the students and at the end Fr. Samuel proposed the vote of thanks and thank to all those who helped for the success of Easter Conference 2018. With grand lunch the Easter Conference came to an end. After the lunch organizing committee had evaluation and feedback meeting. It was a unique and rich experience to all.