During Holy Week 2025, sixteen young people aged 17 to 30 participated in the Easter Mission, an initiative promoted by the Dorothean Youth Ministry in Portugal, in the Europe Province. The activity took place from April 16 to 20, 2025, in the Parishes of Gulpilhares and Arcozelo, in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto), with the support of Father Jorge.
The experience brought together students from Dorothean schools, university students, and young workers, who lived intensely the central days of the Christian faith — from Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday — in communion with local communities. The program included moments of prayer, sharing, and service, truly immersing in the Paschal mystery.
Early in the morning, the youth gathered for prayer and reflection, seeking inspiration from the Word of God and strength from the Holy Spirit for the day’s activities. At the end of each day, the group reconvened for evening prayer, in a spirit of recollection and gratitude, reviewing the moments lived and entrusting them to God.
One of the highlights of the mission was the celebrations with parishioners. Participating in the liturgies of the Last Supper and foot washing, the Way of the Cross, and the Easter Vigil allowed the young people to deeply experience Jesus’ steps, in an atmosphere of communion and spiritual renewal. “We walked with Christ, contemplating His sufferings and allowing ourselves to be touched by today’s crosses,” testified the participants.
The service dimension was also present in visits to nursing homes, where the group shared listening, joy, and presence, signaling Christ’s love and tenderness. On Holy Saturday, they accompanied Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visiting the sick and carried out the Silence Pilgrimage, a moment of deep prayer before loneliness, loss, and waiting, illuminated by the hope of the Resurrection.
On Holy Saturday night, the light of the Paschal Candle shone as a sign of Christ’s victory over death, filling the hearts of the missionaries with joy. “Every step was an act of faith; every silence, a prayer,” summarized one of the young people.
The Easter Mission was, for everyone, an opportunity to renew faith, strengthen compassion, and witness that Christ’s love remains alive in the world through service, listening, and prayer.
