News and Events

Youth Linked to Jewish Roots

Madeleine Marchildon, Prince Albert 

In spite of weather warnings, some 80 youth from across the diocese gathered on April 16 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert. For the third consecutive year, youth were invited to come to celebrate a Passover Seder meal and the Eucharist with their Bishop.

After Warren Dungen, Director of Youth Ministries, had welcomed everyone, some for a first, others for a second or a third experience, he said that celebrating World Youth Day with a Seder Meal is a great preparation for Holy Week.

As part of the rituals of the evening, Bishop Albert Thévenot blessed the palms explaining that the Jewish crowds had spread their cloaks on the road and waved palms enthusiastically shouting “Hosanna…Jesus is Lord” when Jesus entered triumphantly in Jerusalem just before his passion. Likewise, Bishop Thévenot reminded his listeners, the British people will soon be waving, not palms, but British flags for Prince William and Kate.

Then everyone, waving palms joyfully and singing “Hosanna”, proceeded to the basement banquet tables beautifully decorated for the Seder Meal and the Eucharist. Bishop Albert prayerfully led the Passover rituals, commemorating Moses for freeing the People of God from slavery in Egypt to bring them to the freedom of the Promised Land. Once the rituals and meal were complete, the Eucharist was celebrated with a deeper understanding.

Bishop Thévenot during the homily spoke of Jesus, our lamb and of our Jewish roots in the liturgy of the Eucharist. He challenged the youth, “Follow Jesus! He is the way, the hope, the love, the horizon we move to. We are called to forgive and give to others as he has.” Bishop Albert insisted that we must be “part of the culture of true love by opening our hearts to those who are hurting, who despair and who need our help. Jesus died for them and for us!” He appealed to everyone, “Let us open our hearts, go right down to the depth of our hearts where God is and share with others without expecting anything in return. If others see us, they will do likewise. We are called to be the light that Jesus gives us. He showed us the way.”

After the Eucharist, with vigil lights in hand, the youth returned upstairs in procession to sit in the sanctuary transformed with trees and plants into the Garden of Gethsemane. With some prayer, music, but mainly silence, everyone was given a privilege time of personal encounter with Jesus recalling Jesus’ agony and our own life journey.

After the fourfold experience of the palms, the Seder, the Eucharist and the Garden and Cross, the youth returned to the banquet room to share and to reflect on how God had spoken to them during the evening and in what way they could better share in the Passion of Christ this Holy Week and with others.

Many expressed their eagerness to invite other youth to come to live this unique experience. A few in attendance stated comments such as “The cross frees us to take our cup of suffering and accept the struggle of living God’s will.”, “We are no different than the apostles. We betray Jesus like they did.” A youth laughingly commented that he had never eaten anything as bitter as horseradish. Leroy Bader from the Immaculate Conception Parish, Tisdale wondered “…how we might lose our traditions with today’s computers, technology taking over. It is important to carry on and keep our traditions.” Rick Roth of Our Lady Peace Parish, Meadow Lake was deeply moved by the Bishop’s words of “going deep into our soul…where Jesus will give us strength.” Another person reflected on how God keeps his promises. Much sharing took place. Then, all sang the farewell song “Shalom Chaverim!”

Fr. Maurice Fiolleau, rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, said, “I always look forward to these Seder meals. My first one was in 1971 when I was in grade 11. I usually go to two every Lent. They help to enter into Easter in a deeper way.” Warren Dungen mentioned “These Passover meals are not typical youth gatherings, rallies or retreats. The youth get to live a traditional ritual. I love the intimacy, prayer and community they bring.”

Bishop Thévenot expressed his gratitude to those who made the evening special. He explained that we are learning to deepen our celebration of the Passover, to better understand our roots of the Eucharist. We recall the history of deliverance of the Jewish People from slavery in Egypt as well as our own deliverance from sin. Moses freed his People. Jesus came to free us.