Day Ten!

Today we began our walk at Dural Park. Here we were joined by the local Federal member Philip Ruddock and the Mayor. We were also blessed with the presence of Fr Dominic Murphy for our journey today. As we walked along the pathway we could see groups of people eagerly waiting to join us. The crowd started to get bigger and the passes by were all interested to know what was causing such excitement.

We headed towards Redfield College where we met up with more people who had come to see the Cross. The community gathered for some prayers and then a beautiful Mass was celebrated.

We processed the Cross and Icon into the school chapel and it remained there for overnight prayer with Adoration and Mass.

Annaliese

Prayers and procession from Parramatta to Epping

Today’s walk began at Parramatta Cathedral and passed through the streets of Parramatta before coming to the river side of the University of Western Sydney for the day’s first prayer stop.



We continued carrying the Cross through the suburban streets, stopping at various times for people who had come out of their houses to greet the Cross. At one point we stopped and chatted to some workmen on the side of the road who were interested in finding out what all the singing, flags and the big Cross was about.

The next prayer stop was at St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas, where we focussed on the Icon and prayed to Our Lady for her intercession for our intentions.
The Cross & Icon were then taken to Mobbs Hill (a lookout in the suburb of Carlingford.) We were joined here by a busload of Little Sisters of the Poor, who prayed around the Cross & Icon and helped us carry the Cross during the afternoon to Our Lady Help of Christians parish at Epping. We have been really blessed to have great weather on the 15 day walk so far…it began pelting this afternoon, but only once the Cross & Icon were inside the Church! Thanks to all those who joined us today for the walk - you definately helped to make the weight of the Cross a bit lighter!

Bernadette :)

Culture and colour as Cross is carried from Rookwood to Parramatta

Today’s walk began at Rookwood Cemetary, where we were joined by several enthusiastic parishioners who helped us carry the Cross to Mona Park in Auburn. Here we stopped for a prayer stop before driving to St Oliver Plunkett’s Parish and School.

We were joined by many members of the Sudanese Community who carried the Cross and brought so much joy and vibrancy to our procession through their great singing! We continued walking until we came across a big group of WYD pilgrims from the Cook Islands, who just happened to be standing on O’Connell St, Parramatta as we came past. We stopped walking so these pilgrims could have a chance to carry the Cross. I was really overwhelmed by the chance meeting of these pilgrims, their enthusiasm at seeing the Cross and their great singing (with such beautiful harmonies!) After a little while the Cook Islanders had to leave us to go and catch their train, so the members of the Sudanese community once again took over carrying the Cross.

We had a chance for a prayer stop in the beautiful surrounds of the Parramatta Park, which I found a really peaceful contrast to the singing and energy and joy that had previously surrounded the Cross. Many more hands helped carry the Cross right up to Parramatta Cathedral and there were events that continued around the Cross well into the night. What an exciting day where so many cultures and pilgrims gathered around this one symbol – World Youth Day is really upon us!

Bernadette :)

From Punchbowl to Strathfield

With the 8am mass at St Jerome Parish Punchbowl focusing on sharing the gospel with the world it was a great reminder and great way to start Day 7 of our walk across Sydney. With a week in I started to feel that everything that could be done on a walk had been i had by this point seen it all. In fact i was wrong because everyday brings new people who are excited to have the Cross pass through their local streets as it makes its way into the Opening Mass of WYD08.

From St Jerome Parish we made our way to Parry park where after a quick prayer stop we continued onto St Michael's Parish in Belmore. Just continually seeing the joy in peoples faces as they unexpectedly get to carry the cross or see it in their street as they come rushing out of their houses is truly amazing and inspiring to continue on with this Journey each day.

After lunch at St Michael's we continued on to the Seminary of the Good Shepherd with a prayer stop in the middle at Strathfield park and also a chance for us to catch our breathe before continuing on. As well as meeting those who are excited about the Cross we also come across those who don't know much about it. On this leg especially i had the opportunity to share with a young man all about the Cross and what it all means, and why there is procession of people walking down his streets. The easy opportunity that arise to openly share the gospel with the public is a true blessing and is very well received on the whole.

At the Seminary prayer continued on through the night we rosary's, veneration, mass, evening prayer, night prayer and lots of other prayers. The faithfulness of the seminarians and the local community here was a true support and encouragement for my own faith seeing lots of other young men with such devotion to their faith.

God Bless

Jeff

The Shire hosts the Cross

We began this morning at St Patrick’s Parish in Sutherland. There was an awesome crowd gathered and many people were able to join us for the procession to Scylla Bay Reserve.

Here we had some time for prayer and veneration. It was wonderful to see bystanders come up to find out about what was going on. One lady was thrilled to see the Cross on her 70th Birthday!

We crossed the Como Bridge over the Georges River towards the Oatley Memorial Gardens. What a welcome sight to see so many people waiting to greet us when we arrived!

We drove to Our Lady of Fatima Parish and again we were welcomed by a crowd of excited parishioners. We walked through the reserve stopping for a prayer and finished at St Joseph’s Parish in Riverwood. They hosted an evening liturgy with prayer into the night.

Annaliese

Cross carried from M7 to Mount Druitt

Today’s events began at Mary Immaculate Parish, Bossley Park, where the Cross & Icon were farewelled by a large crowd of parishioners, many of whom had spent parts of the night in a vigil with the symbols, or gotten up for an early morning mass. The walk began at the nearby Equestrian Centre and we then made our way to the M7 Cycleway (next to the M7 motorway.) Motorists driving past must have wondered what all the flags were about and what all these people were doing carrying a big Cross next to the motorway!


We stopped for a prayer break at the M7 Control Centre and then continued walking on the M7 Cycleway to Rooty Hill. The next leg of the walk commenced at the RAAF Memorial Reserve at Mount Druitt, where we were joined by a large crowd of people eager to carry the Cross, and finished at the parish at Mount Druitt. We were really lucky to spend today walking not only with the Cross, but with so many enthusiastic people who came out to be a part of this memorable part of the lead up to World Youth Day. It was a really peaceful and prayerful day spent soaking up some great sunshine and placing our prayers for ourselves, our neighbours and our world at the foot of this great symbol.

Bernadette :)

One day closer to Barangaroo...

Today was day 4 of this historic 15 day walk of the WYD Cross into Sydney!

We started off today at Joe Broad Reserve Mt Pritchard, with a group of locals and a few keen pilgrim walkers from yesterday.
Our first destination was Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish. There we joined in a lovely time of prayer with a large parish community, before hitting the pavement bound for Freeman Catholic College.

On the way Pilgrims joined in prayer and song around the Cross, with various people waiting to greet us (and the Cross) along the way.
Once at the College, we stopped for another time of prayer with the community and then shared in a pilgrim lunch together.

Our final leg of the day was from Allambie Reserve Oval to Mary Immaculate Parish Bossley Park. During this leg I had some great discussions with Pilgrims who had spent a few days walking with us. It’s incredible to keep hearing the way in which this Cross continues to touch lives wherever it travels!

Our team of volunteers finished off for the day, however the action continued. The Parish community took part in an all-night Vigil around the Cross & Icon, which started with an evening Mass.

Dan

Liverpool gets one last look at the WYD Cross!

We began walking this morning at Ash Road Sporting Complex in Liverpool. Once again we were joined by some local parishioners including some of the host families from last night. Our walk today was quite peaceful as we travelled along the streets and through the parks.

At Amalfi Memorial Park we were joined by some local school students. It was wonderful to see their excitement at being involved in the 15 Day Walk and to be able to answer their questions. They participated in our prayer service and we particularly remembered the many blessings that we as Australians enjoy and the glory of God in Creation.

At Woodward Park we stopped for another prayer and lunch. It was a chance for people to share their stories about the WYD Cross and what has touched them. One lady shared about when the Cross was last in the Wollongong Diocese in March this year. She told us that her disabled son was unable to walk with the Cross but the procession had stopped near her car so that he could reach through the window and touch the Cross. She was so grateful and believed that her son knew the importance of the Cross despite his intellectual disability.

The walk continued and we were thrilled to be joined by Bishop Fisher who has been very busy in the World Youth Day Office but was keen to join the 15 day Walk for a short time! We finished up at All Saints Church in Liverpool and the parish continued their celebrations into the night.

Annaliese

Sydney via Ruse & Camden

It's so exciting to be back with the JCI crew after 6 months, and with the walk on Day 2 passing through the townships of Ruse and Camden its a beautiful day to be back with the national JCI Team. With the Sun shining bright and a soft breeze reminding us of Gods presence with us it was the perfect day for the procession.

Starting the day with a Mass at St Thomas More Parish, Ruse we were graced with the pressence of the local Primary School students who helped carry the cross for the first leg of the Journey, followed by the local parishioners doing a great job in carrying for their leg of the journey. With everything going well a fantastic group of Tonga pilgrims took on the load of the cross and from the sound of their singing it was very evident that the spirit of the cross was carrying them with their spirits high and their fantastic voices it created a really beautiful atmosphere as we walked along and shared our expectations and hopes for WYD which is now only just around the corner.

After finishing up at Holy Trinity Church, Minto we moved on to Pat Contista Reserve, Leppington. Arriving a little early before the procession was to begin, the local parishioners had already gathered and it was just so beautiful to see their tremedous faith as they gathered around the cross and prayed the rosary on their knees. This set the tone for an amazingly faith filled procession with the rosary being softly prayed as we made our way up to St Mary Mother of God Church. Culminating in a prayer service and a really quiet and beautiful time to just venerate and spend time before both the cross and the icon.

With the whole day being an uplifting experience for my faith journey I cant wait to continue this journey into the beginning of WYD and the opening mass and all the experiences it will bring along the way.

God Bless Jeff

Day Three Hundred and Sixty Six .... also Known as Day One.

Three hundred and sixty six days after the cross first arrived on Australian shores, the two JCI travelling teams have joined together, and been joined by more volunteers, for the 15 day finale of the Australian Journey of the Cross, Icon and Message stick which will culminate in the opening mass of World Youth Day.

We began at Wollongong Cathedral, encouraged in prayer by Bishop Peter, who jointly launched Wollongongs' Days in the Diocese program.

The Saint Mary's and Holy Spirit College students joined us for the first walk of the day and enthusiaticly steered the Cross and Icon in the direction of Sydney.

A year ago, in our briefing, the first team was asked by Steve Laurence, to hear the message of Pope John Paul 2, and be the Saints of the new millenium whilst we journeyed our great south land witnessing an amazing message of hope, love and peace. Unattainable as this seemed, throughout the trials in the journey if was an inspirational goal to aspire to.

Now a year later, both teams are able to rest in the knowledge we gave our all in prayer and in heart, to our part of the last 12 months. Now together, we take all the prayers and blessings we have gathered from the ends of our land to World Youth Day, to the Pope, and to all the young people who will soon gather in Sydney.

Today started small, in anticipation of the crowds that will join us during the next 2 weeks. We had 8 extra crowd marshalls and 8 young police, who in their casual cloathing easily passed as pilgrims

This made for an intimate first day, with the volunteers and police who will soon be working hard to keep everyone else in control, able to spend some quality time carrying the Cross and for a short time, the Icon.

We began the afternoon, purely by co-incidence outside an Aboriginal Centre in Airds, the social workers came outside to see why so many police car's had gathered in their car park and were excited to find we would be setting up the Cross in the park next door.

While it was too late to organise a full scale liturgy, an opportunity was identified to present the Message Stick, the CEO with much pride accepted this, and an opportunity for veneration was provided. Overcome with emotion, one of the workers carried the Cross the few hundred metres to the road, and bid farewell with tears, as she returned to work.

As we continued to walk to ruse, the uniformed police on bikes found themselves riding ahead, and of their own inititive asking the young people playing in the street if they would like to

help us process and carry the Cross.

The St Thomas more parish was then able to spend a beautiful evening in prayer and mass before the Cross, Icon and Message Stick. Overseas pilgrims already in Australia from the pacific islands sang and danced bringing the spirituality of the evening vibrantly to life.

As another day ends, we draw closer to Sydney, please join us somewhere along the way for this final walk in, whether in be on day 5, 8 or 14, gather up your friends, and draw your enemy's closer, from now on in, we will be walking the streets of Sydney with love.

Jacs :)

JCI team return to Sydney

Today we did the big trip back from the West to the East. It was sad to say goodbye to our new friends in the Broome diocese. We left Kununurra airport in the morning with great memories of wonderful experiences and hopes to return again to the Kimberley one day. Three flights and lots of fun later, we arrived back in Sydney late in the night. The Cross and Icon flew from Kununurra too – we will meet up with them again when they fly in tomorrow morning.

As our time with the dioceses has now drawn to a close I’ve been thinking a bit about the amazing journey we’ve been on. One of the greatest things about the journey for me has been seeing the enthusiasm of the young people in so many of the towns, cities and communities where we have stopped. It’s been a real inspiration and often a surprise for me to witness in many of the youth of Australia a desire to connect with God and be part of the Church. Sometimes I saw this just in the curiosity of someone coming forward to watch a procession or touch the cross. Sometimes it was in the willingness of the youth to be involved and share their talents in the events; or in the questions of the young people and their stories of how they’d been touched by Jesus through the visit of the Cross and Icon to their place. It makes me feel so hopeful and reminds me that there’s so many of us on this journey together.

It’s also been such a privilege for me personally to have so many moments of encounter with God myself through the Cross and Icon and the team I’ve been travelling with. God has been teaching me about the beauty of His cross, the power of His resurrection and more and more about His love for me as I’ve been travelling with these amazing symbols of love over the past 5 months. For this I will always be grateful.

Now as we start our 15 day walk in a couple of days time, leading up to World Youth Day (17 days to go!), I’m sad to be saying goodbye to one part of our journey, but excited about what lies ahead – in WYD and beyond!

Janine

Final day of the JCI...

Today we travelled to Wyndum and Kununurra for the final events of this incredible twelve month journey around Australia!

Leaving Warmun early, we travelled through some stunning landscape on the way to Wyndum. Here a lawn-full of students and local parishioners welcomed us we took part in a liturgy together in front of the Church. The event concluded with a procession down the road and into a park where the WYD pilgrims were given a special blessing by Bishop Saunders.

After lunch we headed to Kununurra - our final destination before returning to Sydney.
Here we gathered at St Joseph’s school and the Pilgrims took a hold of the Cross as we began our procession through town, ending at the Church. A time of liturgy followed, concluding with Veneration. As I watched people bring their prayers to the Cross for the last time in WA, I reflected on the countless thousands of people who I have witnessed do the same over the past five months. Its amazing to think of the impact this Cross & Icon have had in people’s lives all over our country.

Dan

Warmun Aboriginal Community Celebrates with the Cross.

Today we drove from the Billiluna Community to the Warmun Community. This again took most of the day and included a stretch on the Tanami Track and the Canning Stock Route.

When we arrived at the Warmun Community we were greeted by a very colourful and excited group. The adults and children had had their faces painted with white paint to mark the importance of this special celebration. The children had also prepared black, yellow and red streamers and waved them enthusiastically. After the Welcome to Country, smoking and blessing from the Elders, we heard a song from a local, called Kija Land. The children all joined in too.

We processed the Cross to a tree in the school grounds where Aboriginal people were once chained and whipped before being removed from their families. We remembered all those who had suffered and prayed for healing for all those who have been maltreated. We continued our procession to the community’s Outdoor Church and had a lovely celebration. The community had a special statue of Mary and Jesus that was made George Mung Mung, a local Artist. This statue is on the first page of Australian Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Annaliese

Cross & Icon take a rough ride

Today the Journey made its way into two more remote Aboriginal communities.

First stop was Mulan, a small village of about 120 people. As we rolled in on the red dirt road we were greeted by an excited group of locals who then sounded the town bell (by hitting a pole with a rock) to alert everyone of our arrival.

We started by walking the Cross & Icon up a small, sacred hill for a time of veneration and prayer. Following this we came together for an outdoor Mass where a baby was baptised, and some students received their First Holy Communion. After Mass we shared in lunch together as a way of celebrating this historic day for the Mulan community.

Our convoy of 4WD’s then took on the challenging drive down the famous Canning Sock Route towards our next stop at Billiluna. The Canning Stock Route is the longest and most remote Stock Route in the world…and a bumpy drive!

Billiluna was bursting with life as they welcomed us into their community. Students performed a traditional dance around the Cross & Icon and some prayers were shared before we processed down towards the school for a liturgy. It was a procession to remember as students sang with all their might, thanking God for our many gifts.
As has been the case in each Aboriginal community, tonight’s time of veneration was again touching to witness. Emotions ran high as the faithful brought the prayer of their heart to this special Cross.

The event finished off with a shared dinner, and an opportunity to mingle with the community.

Dan

Halls Creek and Balgo celebrate healing and reconciliation around Cross & Icon

Today’s events began in Halls Creek with a liturgy attended by the primary school students and members of the community. The liturgy included a smoking ceremony and water blessing by local elders, as well as lots of singing and participation from the school students. Symbols of rocks, flowers and leaves were placed around the Cross during veneration as a symbol of our placing our heavy burdens as well as our hopes and joys at the foot of the Cross.

Later in the day the Aboriginal community at Balgo welcomed the Cross & Icon, beginning with the women placing flowers around the symbols and the young people processing through the community.

As the last glimpse of sun shone on the horizon, the procession made its way out to the Sorry Camp, where the family and close friends of a recently deceased teenager member of the community are in mourning. It was really touching to see the people from the Sorry Camp, their heads covered in ashes, coming to the Cross to pray.
The evening continued with a time of veneration and reconciliation around a blazing fire. I was really struck by the reverence of the evening – at one stage the line to come and touch the Cross & Icon snaked around for about 30 metres – and the warmth and glow of the fire was a really great mirror for the Cross as a symbol of the greatness of God’s love for us and the way that can set us on fire and make us come alight!

The other great thing about today was that there are young people coming from Halls Creek and Balgo to Sydney and it was lovely to see the excitement on the faces of the pilgrims who will be flying out from Broome in only a few weeks time.

Bernadette :)

Derby say goodbye

Mass with the Derby community was the main event today before we headed off for a seven hour drive to Halls Creek!
The church choir was in great form as the Cross & Icon were welcomed by locals. After celebrating Mass we then processed out to our trusty 4wd & trailer, ready for another long drive throughout the beautiful Kimberly.

Dan

Cross on show on Derby’s day of the JCI

Today the town of Derby were the recipients of the Cross & Icon. The events began with the Cross being driven around town to various places of significance. It was quite an impressive sight to see the 3.8m high cross standing vertical on the back of the big red Broome Diocese 4WD trailer!

The Dinner Camp Tree (a big boab tree located at a historical camp that was once frequented by drovers on their way to the jetty for export) and the Jetty (significant as its place as a hub of life and activity for Derby) were places that the Cross stopped at for prayer and reflection.

The Icon was then taken through the hospital to visit several patients, who also received blessings from Bishop Chris. I found this to be a really special time, as the Icon, whose name is ‘Salus Populi Romani’ can be translated to mean ‘salvation (or health) of the Roman people.’ It was really fitting that the people in the hospital, some in wheelchairs, some from their hospital beds, one lad on crutches and two young women who had been in a car accident, were able to pray before this symbol of healing.

Later in the evening, a lively and colourful mass was held with lots of participation from the primary school students and a rousing homily from Bishop Chris about proclaiming our faith from the rooftops. What a wonderful evening the Cross & Icon spent with the great faith community in Derby!

Bernadette :)

Broome walks with the Cross.

This morning we started at Notre Dame University for Morning Prayer. It was a peaceful place and the birds joined in with singing the chants.
We then processed the Cross over to St Mary’s College for a liturgy with the students. This included a dance and a very inspirational talk from the Principal.







Next we processed across the road to the Primary school. Here the students formed a guard of honour before celebrating their own special liturgy.

The Cross was walked back to the Cathedral through the town stopping at points of local interests including the Japanese Cemetery. A Healing Mass was celebrated and was particularly moving as many people went up for blessings.

Annaliese

Cross & Icon come to Lombadina & Broome

Today the Cross & Icon spent the morning in the Lombadina/Djarindjin community, beginning with a ceremony on Djarindjin Hill overlooking the water and the community. Teachers and students from the primary school then processed with the Cross & Icon to the Grotto, where the Angelus was prayed. Within the Grotto there is a tree which has been carved out and holds a statue of Our Lady, which today was re-dedicated by Bishop Chris. Students from the primary school and members of the community processed the symbols along the stunning red dirt streets of the community and concluded with a mass held outside the Church. It was really lovely to see the joy of the community around the Cross & Icon today and to hear the fantastic singing of the students during mass.

Later in the day, the Cross & Icon were welcomed at the One Mile community just outside of Broome and processed into town. The procession passed many significant locations in town, including the Broome prison, before coming to rest outside the Cathedral. Here a liturgy was held in the fading light of the day before the Cross & Icon were placed in the Cathedral for a time of prayer and veneration. It was great to see the excitement of the people of Broome as they greeted the Cross & Icon after waiting so patiently all these months!

Bernadette :)

Cross and Icon hit the dirt on the way to Beagle Bay and Lombadina.

We left the Bidyadanga Community early this morning and headed north. The Cross and Icon were kept very safe in their new trailer as we went off road to reach the community at Beagle Bay.

Sacred Heart School and parishioners welcomed us with a wonderful lunch. We had a short service to introduce the Cross and Icon before the kids and parishioners had a procession around the community. At the Cemetery we stopped to remember those that had died and to pray a Rosary. We then continued over to the school and beautiful Church. Here we celebrated Mass and the children sang with such enthusiasm and joy!

We then left and drove over to Lombadina Community. Again we received a very warm welcome and the Cross and Icon enjoyed the evening off.









Annaliese

Geraldton Diocese bids farewell, Broome Diocese begins their journey.

The Port Hedland Parish had a final Mass with the Cross and Icon before the Handover ceremony to the Broome Diocese this morning. It was sad for the Geraldton Diocese to say goodbye to the Cross and Icon as they had brought so many Graces to their towns and communities. A special thanks to Bishop Justin who travelled around for the entire Geraldton Diocese and did an amazing job!

After swapping to the new and colourful 4WD vehicles the cross and Icon, together with the travelling team and the Broome Diocese team hit the road for another adventure! We drove all day, stopping for lunch, before arriving at our first destination: Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community.

We arrived later than planned but there was a huge crowd of dedicated and excited children and parishioners ready to greet the Cross, Icon and two teams as we drove in. We processed the Cross and Icon through the community and to the Church for Mass, celebrated by Bishop Saunders. Some of the children were in Traditional dress and everyone enjoyed the vibrant celebrations. After Mass, we all shared a Parish BBQ and enjoyed the entertainment of local artists.

An awesome start to the Diocese!

Annaliese.

Karratha, Roeburne and Port Hedland.

This morning began at St Luke’s College in Karratha. The students all gathered for a special prayer service with the Cross and Icon and were fantastic. Some of the students even had exams today but were still keen to help out! I was really impressed by the way in which the students venerated the Cross. They came up in groups of eight and all venerated together. It was really beautiful to watch.

We then headed out to Roeburne where many students and parishioners had gathered. We had a prayer liturgy and then processed the cross and Icon through the town to the Fire Station. The students from the surrounding schools all came to the fences to see the Cross as it came past and find out what all the fuss was!

We continued travelling north to Port Hedland and the Parish had arranged a Fun Fair at the Racecourse. There was a jumping castle, music, food and of course… a WYD Cross and Icon! After the Fair the Cross and Icon were processed to the Church and there was some time for prayer and veneration. A Special welcoming Mass was held with Bishop Justin Bianchini and Bishop Christopher Saunders. This was followed by a vigil organised by the group of pilgrims.

Annaliese.

Karratha farewell the Cross

The people of Karratha & surrounding areas came together this morning for the final chapter of the JCI in the “Pilbara” region. What better a way to do this than to celebrate the Eucharist!
Pilgrims gathered in front of St Pauls and processed the Cross & Icon into Mass, after sharing their excitement about their upcoming pilgrimage to Sydney.

After Mass the community then gathered for one big morning tea. It was such a privilege to chat with various people and to really get a sense of the unity of this faith community, and their support of WYD.

Bishop Justin put it well when he highlighted that although there are many cultures represented in our Church, all are united through Jesus, the one we remember through the symbol of the Cross!

Dan

From Carnarvon to Karratha…

We left Carnarvon this morning to travel to Karratha. On the way we stopped at Barradale Picnic Area for a handover from the Carnarvon parish to the Karratha Parish. Some People had driven more than 370km to meet us at the change-over point because they didn’t want to miss out on seeing this very special Cross!

Once we reached Karratha, we went to St Paul’s school as they were celebrating their 30th Anniversary. It was so special to have the visit of the Cross and Icon present at this Milestone Mass.
Annaliese

Carnarvon puts on a big show

The stunning coastal town of Carnarvon played host for all events today with the Cross & Icon.

First up were students from St Mary’s primary and secondary school who participated in a liturgy with the Cross & Icon. This finished off with a special time of veneration, with each student bringing their own intentions to the Cross.

Tonight the people of Carnarvon and surrounding areas came together for Mass celebrated by Bishop Justin. This was followed by a procession down to the school oval which led into a spectacular outdoor dramatisation of the Stations of the Cross. The lighting, costume and drama provided by the talented youth helped the community to enter into Jesus’ final days in a new and very moving way.

Dan

Handover...Roadhouse style!

After a busy year as WYD co-ordinator of the Geraldton diocese, Fr Robert was proud to welcome the Cross & Icon into his community at Northampton this morning. Students and parishioners of St Mary’s gathered for morning Mass, before seeing us off to our next location.

We hit the road for a 430km drive up to Carnarvon, a very scenic little town about six hours north of Geraldton. On the way we stopped off at another Roadhouse for a handover ceremony (on the red earth) to the youth of Carnarvon. After sharing in a tasty steak sandwich for lunch, the Pilgrims received the Cross & Icon and we were on our way!

The Church filled up fast for Carnarvon’s first event tonight, Mass followed by a prayer Vigil. The community left tonight’s event excited about another full day with the Cross & Icon tomorrow…

Dan

Geraldton's day with the Cross.

Today Geraldton had a chance to carry the cross. There was a combined school gathering in the morning followed by a procession through the town and a prayer service at Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community.

The Procession went to the HMAS Sydney War Memorial and the people that were gathered prayed for all those lost at sea and in war. The procession also went through the main street of town and the people were great witnesses to Christ's love.

Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community hosted the Cross and Icon for some prayer, reflections and veneration.

We then travelled to Northampton parish to be ready for tomorrows celebrations.

Annaliese

Perth farewell Cross & Icon

After two solid weeks of events with the Cross & Icon, the Perth Archdiocese sadly farewelled these special symbols today as they headed north towards the Geraldton diocese. The tears of the Perth team said it all…over the past few weeks this journey has touched the lives of thousands around Perth, bringing in a special way the presence and message of Jesus to people all over the City.

The handover ceremony took place about 3 hours north of Perth, in front of a Roadhouse in Warradarge. Bishop Justin (Bishop of Geraldton) had a grin from ear to ear as he and Geraldton youth received the Cross & Icon into the second last diocese of its journey throughout Australia.

Tonight we took part in the first event in the diocese – Mass in the beautiful Geraldton Cathedral – St Francis Xavier. Most of the WYD Pilgrims gathered here, sporting their diocesan WYD jumpers and sharing their excitement about their upcoming pilgrimage to Sydney. What a privilege it is to share in this special time in our Church with pilgrims from all over our country!

Dan.

Prendiville greets Cross & Icon in unique style

Today’s events with the Cross & Icon began at Prendiville Catholic College, Ocean Reef, where students from a number of different schools gathered for liturgies around the Cross & Icon.



Many students were involved in the liturgy in music, dancing and readings, and at the end of the liturgy all the students were given the opportunity to venerate the Cross & Icon and partake in other reflection activities.


One activity that was particularly striking was where students were invited to make colourful outlines of their hands by pouring coloured sand over their hands onto a black sheet. It was great to speak to a few of the 19 pilgrims who are headed to Sydney for WYD from Prendiville – it was clear that the visit of the Cross & Icon has really got them excited about what lies ahead!

Bernadette :)

Passion in Perth

Today was one of the main events of the JCI in the Archdiocese. Beginning at Trinity College at 7am, we processed the Cross and Icon around the entire Swan River foreshore, whilst praying the Stations of the Cross. Each station was hosted by a school, parish or community and included drama and music. As we walked along the south side we were joined by a small group of dolphins who came out for a glimpse of the procession! It was a lovely sight.








The final 2 stations were particularly memorable as they used an underpass as the tomb and those in the procession were invited to walk through for the Resurrection Station. At the announcement that Jesus had Risen, the Ukrainian men acting out the station began to dance with joy symbolising the response of the disciples at discovering that Jesus was alive. We finished at Edwards Park at 1pm in time for some veneration and a picnic lunch.

The Bateman parish included the Cross and Icon visit in their 6pm Youth Mass. This was followed by the rosary, adoration and other activities.

Annaliese

Joy and prayers around Cross & Icon in Thornlie and Munster

The parish at Thornlie were the first to receive the Cross & Icon today, beginning with a procession that went past the local shopping centre before coming back to the church. A beautiful liturgy around the symbols was held, culminating in a time of individual veneration. The Cross was then ‘surfed’ out of the church, passing over the heads of the many parishioners who were present at the liturgy.

The parish at Munster were the next hosts of the Cross & Icon and began with a Mass before processing with the Cross & Icon into the hall, where ‘life-size rosary beads’ had been constructed out of big paper circles, balloons and ropes. The Cross & Icon were placed on the ‘rosary beads’ at the place where the crucifix and picture of Mary would normally be. The young musicians then led the singing of reflective songs as the Cross & Icon were processed around the hall and all those gathered were able to venerate the Cross & Icon as they came past. I found it a really unique way to incorporate the symbols into such a creative and engaging liturgy.

In both places I witnessed the Cross & Icon today there was such a great feeling of community, celebration and prayer.

Bernadette :)

Cross & Icon come to public places in Perth

Today’s events included a trip to the University of Western Australia, where St Thomas Moore College hosted two hours of procession and liturgy around the Cross & Icon. Many students from the College processed the symbols around the grounds of their residential college before heading out to the street to process the Cross & Icon to the picturesque university grounds. A liturgy was held on the lawns near the university tavern – a great, visible witness considering it was Friday afternoon so there were plenty of people around!

Later in the day, the Cross & Icon were the centre of an event that took place in Forrest Chase, the main mall in the middle of Perth, and a location that attracts a lot of foot traffic from commuters and Friday night shoppers.

A number of young Christian bands performed on-stage and a crowd of young people gathered to listen to the music and testimonies. It was great to have such a public event take place and to see many on-lookers stop to see what all the fuss was about.

Well done to the young people of Perth for your great witness today!


Bernadette :)

More precious than Gold

We farewelled Kalgoorlie and the “Goldfields” region this morning, leaving them with a message more precious that all the gold in the world!
Our six hour drive today had us bound for Toodyay, a small country town 1.5 hours from Perth city. On the way we stopped off at a few small towns who were eager to receive the Cross & Icon into their community.

First was Southern Cross where local parishioners and primary students met us in the park for a time of liturgy and procession. The boys & girls were absolutely overjoyed at the prospect of carrying “the special Cross” around their town.

Next stop was Merredin for another liturgy with the primary school, local parishioners and representatives from the high school. Here the students did a great job in re-enacting the Stations of the Cross; then all had an opportunity for a personal encounter with the WYD Cross.

We arrived to the home of the “Franciscan’s of the Immaculate” in Toodyay early evening. Here the Franciscan priests & brothers received the Cross & Icon for an all-night vigil with the local community which included readings, music & adoration in a very solemn and prayerful setting.

Dan

Bunbury Diocese’s last day.

Today the Diocese of Bunbury ended their time with the World Youth Day Cross and Icon. At 7am many parishioners from Esperance gathered to both farewell the Cross and Icon, and to pray for the remaining journey. Three representatives from Esperance then joined us in travelling to Kalgoorlie for the Handover.

We celebrated a Mass in St Mary’s church then processed to the basketball stadium for a combined schools gathering.

The Little Sisters of the Poor hosted the Cross and Icon and then there was a public procession through the streets of Kalgoorlie. A rosary was prayed at the Super Pit, the largest mine in town before the All Hallows Church hosted a prayer vigil.

Annaliese

Final stop for Bunbury Diocese as Cross comes to Esperance

Today began with a Mass around the Cross & Icon to conclude the community of Lake Grace’s time with the symbols.








The Cross & Icon then travelled around 370km to come to the beautiful seaside town of Esperance. An excited crowd greeted the Cross & Icon outside the church and as many hands as physically possible were used to process the symbols around the church grounds. Many primary school students and young people (some of whom are getting very excited about coming to Sydney for WYD!) processed the Cross & Icon into the church for a lively Mass, celebrated by Bishop Holohan, which also included time for veneration. The community then gathered for a shared dinner in the hall.








Tonight’s mass marked the final event in the Bunbury Diocese after 8 days where many towns, schools and communities were able to experience the power of the Cross & Icon. During our days here I’ve been really amazed by the great events, great people, great enthusiasm and great faith we have witnessed in this Diocese, and I wish all the people of the Diocese well in the lead up to WYD in Sydney!

Bernadette :)

Albany and Lake Grace receive the power of the Cross

In Albany this morning the St Joseph’s parish began with a Mass before processing down the main street for an interfaith gathering and farewell. It was particularly lovely to have the community pray for our travelling team.

We travelled to Lake Grace and this small town community was delighted to receive the WYD Cross and Icon. They processed to the Church for a candlelit parish Mass and then shared a meal.

Annaliese.

Streets of Albany come alive!

…well the prayers worked! The Katanning faith community were greeted by beautiful sunshine for their Sunday morning procession through town, which was followed by Mass and a community lunch. What a privilege it was for us to spend last night and this morning with such a warm and caring community!

Albany was our next stop, a beautiful coastal town at the bottom of WA.
We gathered beside the skate-park in town and processed down to the Council chambers for the official handover and Welcome to Country. Then the 4km procession took off towards Holy Family Church. It was a spectacular setting; blue sky, afternoon sun…and lots of noise! The ‘Aberdeen Street’ youth group lead the community through several WYD chants as we trekked through town…many people running out of their homes to see what all the commotion was about!

The sun set on us about 1km from our destination, then out came the glowsticks to light the final leg towards Holy Family…and yes, the youth were still chanting!
Outside the church, parishioners had some time for a personal encounter with the Cross & Icon before the wider faith community gathered inside for an ecumenical service. It was a great event to be a part of. Not only were their representatives from various Christian churches; but also great music provided by both the local youth & the Filipino community. Jesus was on everyone’s lips as this tight community pondered on the wondrous gift of the Cross.

Dan

Cross comes to Katanning

Today’s events were centred on taking the Cross & Icon to the people of Katanning. A Stations of the Cross service was held in the church, run by the group of pilgrims who will be representing their parish at World Youth Day. The service was very meaningful in its simplicity and its focus on the Cross and the sacrifice of Jesus in his death and the joy of his resurrection. The evening concluded with a community dinner in the shelter of the church hall, while outside the bucketing rain meant that a definite decision about tomorrow morning’s procession down the main street was left in the hands of God…
Bernadette :)

Small town Spirit

This morning local parishioners & students from Busselton farewelled the visit of the Cross & Icon with Mass at Our Lady of the Bay Church.

We then travelled to the small town of Collie and were met by local dignitaries, parishioners & students for a small liturgy outside the railway station; then a procession down to St Brigid’s Church. Here the youth of Collie officially received the Cross & Icon into their parish and we all joined together in a liturgy and afternoon tea.
As you can see in the photos, students and parishioners went to a great effort to decorate the outside of the Church – and it paid off! During the week the parish office had a number of enquiries from locals about WYD.

The community at St Matthews Church in Narrogin welcomed us for our final visit of the day. Although only a small town, there was a great spirit amongst the parishioners who came together for an evening liturgy and supper.

During the liturgy Bishop Holohan reflected on the power of a personal relationship with Jesus, and how the Cross acts as a pathway for us to experiencing this.

It was encouraging to meet some of the youth in the parish and hear about their fundraising efforts which have fully supported the group of twenty get to Sydney for WYD. What an top effort!

Dan

Cross visits Margaret River and Busselton

This morning the Pemberton Parish continued their celebrations with the Cross finishing up with a Mass. One 13 year old girl came to tell me how when she carried the Cross in the night procession, she felt warm all over and knew it was the Holy Spirit.



We then travelled to Margaret River where the parishioners and some school students gathered for a procession to the Church before sharing some afternoon tea.

We headed to Busselton for an evening of prayer, reconciliation and reflection. The WYD pilgrims helped with the music and shared about their hopes and reasons for attending WYD in Sydney. The parish community also celebrated a shared dinner and supper.

Annaliese

Cross & Icon brighten up grey skies in Bunbury

Today’s events began at Bunbury Catholic College, where a packed gymnasium greeted the Cross & Icon with a Mass and some very joyous cross surfing. Unfortunately due to the pouring rain outside, the planned procession down the main street did not occur, but the atmosphere inside the gym as the students farewelled the Cross & Icon was simply amazing and Spirit-filled.

The next stop for the Cross & Icon was the site where the Bunbury Cathedral formerly stood, where a brave bunch stood in the rain to pray for the success of the construction of the new Cathedral for the Diocese.

The small community at Bridgetown were the next recipients of the Cross & Icon. Primary school students and many members of the community welcomed the symbols with a liturgy, some great singing, time for veneration and a great country afternoon tea!

The last stop for the day was Pemberton, where the community greeted the Cross & Icon with a small liturgy in their chapel, before heading out into the night for a candlelit procession. The final destination for the Cross & Icon was the Pemberton church, where a Holy Hour was held that included time for a really prayerful time of veneration for the 100-strong crowd that gathered.

Bernadette :)

Bunbury Diocese receive the Power of the Cross and Icon

This morning the Diocese of Perth temporarily said farewell to the Cross and Icon. The students at Kolbe College, Rockingham had had an all night vigil/ sleepover but still found the energy to accompany us to Mandurah College for the handover to the Bunbury Diocese. Bishop Don Sproxton from Perth and Bishop Gerard Holohan from Bunbury concelebrated Mass with students from various schools in the area.








We then headed to a memorial in Pinjarra. This was the site where early European settlers and soldiers killed an estimated 200 Aboriginal women, children and older men. Some students from surrounding schools joined local parishioners and Aboriginal people in remembering the awful massacre that happened in that place. We prayed and reflected on reconciliation and how the Gospel message applies to our lives in Australia.








We travelled to Harvey and were welcomed by many enthusiastic school children and parishioners. We processed to the Church and then did the Stations of the Cross.

Our final destination today was Bunbury. As the van drove into the school grounds we were greeted by the very excited WYD pilgrims! We joined the Bunbury Catholic College community for an evening event involving dance, drama, testimonies and music. We then shared a supper before the young people took the Cross and Icon to the chapel for another all night vigil.

Special thanks to Patrick from Mandurah College who helped with some maintenance on the Icon stand!

Annaliese

Cross present for sorry Day Gathering!

Today the Cross & Icon took part in a ‘National Sorry Day’ gathering, where Perth school students gathered in large numbers with the local community to remember and pray for the Stolen Generation, and all those affected by these events.
It was a moving event, where musicians and performers all touched on the theme of reconciliation. Archbishop Hickey then spoke with us, encouraging us to turn to the maternal love of Our Lady; who knows only too well what its like to lose a son.
Throughout the course of the morning a piece of fabric (about 30 metres long!) was carried in. It contained the handprints of 1000 students, with messages of apology and reconciliation. A special thanks to Robert, who shared so openly about his experience as one of the stolen generation, and the way that has impacted on his life.

Tonight we rolled into Rockingham, a smaller town about an hour south of Perth. Here four parishes gathered as one large community for a procession which included Stations of the Cross, and then Mass at Kolbe Catholic College. Local pilgrims then made the most of their opportunity with the Cross & Icon, hosting an all-night vigil in the school grounds.

The Cross on the Foreshore

We began this morning at South Perth on the river bank. Many groups gathered for a procession around the park including school groups, the Vietnamese Community and parish groups.



Each group had a chance to carry the Cross and Icon and lead the gathering in a short time of prayer. We then processed to St Columba’s and were lead by the Trinity School Pipe band to the Mary Mackillop Centre chapel. After a prayer service the Cross and Icon were then taken to a parish event in Balcatta.

We walked the Cross and Icon through the streets in a beautiful procession with songs and the rosary. There was time for veneration with the cross before Mass and a youth band lead songs of reflection, praise and worship. Mass was celebrated by candlelight outdoors and was a particularly touching service. Afterwards there was more time for the parishioners to spend in prayer with the Cross and Icon, at reconciliation or sharing a meal in the parish hall.

Annaliese

Symbols of salvation come to suburbs of Perth

The Cross & Icon’s first destination today was the St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, where a Mass was held in the chapel. On the feast of Mary Help of Christians Fr Chris’ homily focussed on the Icon, especially its origins of how it became to be known as the Salvation (or Health) of the Roman People.

Next the Cross & Icon were greeted by the lively Neo-Catechumen community and processed to the nearby church at Claremont for a liturgy. It was great to hear testimonies from two young people at this event about their faith journeys and to share in the wonderful community events that continued well after the Cross & Icon’s departure.

Later in the day, Woodvale parish welcomed the Cross & Icon with a Mass.

Bernadette :-)

An all schools affair in Perth

Various Perth schools hosted the Cross & Icon today.

First stop was Mercy College Koondoola where the schools beautiful Chapel hosted a number of different groups of both primary & secondary students throughout the morning. Each group shared in prayer, song & reflection, then had an opportunity for a personal encounter with the Cross & Icon. It was very inspiring to hear the testimony of one of the teachers who shared a bit of his faith journey, and his life changing experience at WYD in Cologne.

From here Mercy College pilgrims then braved the wet conditions and processed down the street to meet students from Mary MacKillop Primary School, who were eagerly awaiting with various national flags on hand. After a short handover ceremony we then hit the pavement once again, meeting students from Ballajura Community College along the way.
We ended up at Mary MacKillop Church where students gathered with local parishioners for a time of prayer & veneration.

WYD fever then hit Ballajura Community College who gratefully received the Cross & Icon into their school. Here students joined with local dignitaries to reflect on the meaning of the Cross in our lives, and the connection of this big cross with WYD. The school choir did a great job leading us in worship as we concluded the liturgy with veneration.

Dan : )

Cross lights up Perth schools!

Today the Cross & Icon began at Lumen Christi College, Martin, where the students excitedly greeted the symbols as a welcome addition to their annual school feast, Lumen Day. The morning was spent with a variety of activities taking place around the Cross & Icon, with every student having the opportunity for veneration. The school was abuzz with the excitement of this long awaited event! It was especially exciting for around 20 students from the school who will be travelling to Sydney for WYD and an opportunity for the rest of the school to be set alight with the spirit and energy of this great event coming to them.

The next stop for the Cross & Icon was at Chisholm College, Bedford, where the Cross & Icon were the centre of a large liturgy attended by the whole school. Again, the students chosen to carry the Cross & Icon were most excited by these significant and well-travelled symbols coming to have some time in their school.

Bernadette :)

Cross and Icon have their first full day in Perth!

Today began the exciting Journey of the Cross and Icon throughout the Archdiocese of Perth. They were hosted by Mazenod College and Lesmurdie Parish this morning and C.B.C in Fremantle this afternoon.

In the evening they visited Notre Dame University and St Patrick’s Basilica for an all night prayer vigil. What a way to start!

If you were there please feel free to send us a comment and tell us how you found the day!

Annaliese

Eagerly awaited symbols reach WA!

After months and months of waiting and counting down the days to the ‘Journey of the Cross and Icon’ in Perth…the Cross and Icon were on their way to Perth Airport, coming from Hobart.

We waited at 10:30am for the arrival… which was then delayed. We waited for the 1pm arrival, which was also delayed. Finally the flight took off from Melbourne with the Cross and Icon to arrive at Perth airport at 4:30pm. We then got the call that they had “FINALLY” arrived!

My work colleague and good friend Silvana and I assembled the WYD Cross together for the opening ceremony at the Perth Domestic Airport. The weather at the airport was so cold and I forgot to bring my jumper! But when we assembled the WYD cross together I felt Jesus’ presence with us.
As the road cases were opened, an indigenous didgeridoo player played over the pieces of wood which served as part of their welcome to country.
We had mixed emotions when we screwed the bolts to assemble the two wooden pieces of the cross together. There was a sense of anxiety yet we felt overwhelmed with God’s love, warmth and fellowship. Silvana did the honours and used her 20 cent coin to tighten the screws – she still has this coin and doesn’t want to let go of it! Hahahaha…

The Redemptoris Mater Seminary and fellow youth members carried the WYD Cross and Icon into the airport terminal greeted by the Aboriginal Kulbardi Boorndoon Dance Group, Nyungar Elder Representative Marie Taylor, Youth Representative from Tasmania Anita Garnham and the Catholic Archbishop of Perth, His Grace Archbishop Barry James Hickey.
The ceremony was absolutely fantastic. There was full of excitement at the ceremony that Silvana and I could see these priceless expressions of happiness, joy, relief and reverence on all 30+ faces. We will never forget this special experience…

Looking forward to the next 8 days!

Tammy (Diocesan Youth Worker)

Prayers at Westbury as Cross & Icon farewelled from Tassie

The Cross & Icon’s last day in Tassie saw it travel to St Helen’s on the East Coast for a visit to the community here before it was taken to Westbury for the final event for the Archdiocese of Hobart. A beautiful evening of Taize prayer in the lovely old church was a really prayerful way to complete the 9 day journey around the state. The presence of many young pilgrims bound for Sydney at the event was a sign of the many blessings to come and the enthusiasm that these young people will inject into their parishes and communities.

The Cross & Icon had a great time in Tassie and it is really encouraging that even more pilgrims will be added to the 350-strong group who will be coming to Sydney in July. Thanks to all the local organisers and the many young people who made the last 9 days such a special part of the journey – we’ll be looking out for those lime green shirted pilgrims from the Apple Isle in Sydney!

Bernadette :)

Celebrating the Transfiguration on top of Mount Wellington.

The Transfiguration was celebrated in a very fitting way in Hobart, Tasmania! At 6:15am two buses full of eager parishioners accompanied the WYD Cross and Icon to the top of Mount Wellington and watched the sun rise. The chill factor reached -8 and on the walk down the mountain, the pilgrims walked through falling snow. Perhaps a little different from the original disciples walk down the mountain! At The Springs Mass was celebrated before the pilgrims were bussed down to St David’s Park for a Family Festival.

Many people gathered here to celebrate family life beneath the cross and activities included a jumping castle, blowing bubbles, face painting and games.

The Cross and Icon then headed to Richmond. Here we began at St Luke’s Anglican Church and processed through town, across the oldest bridge in Australia to the oldest Catholic Church in Australia, St John’s. Stations of the Cross were prayed and there was time for veneration. It was such a wonderful day and a pleasure to go to some Iconic places in Tasmania with this special youth Cross.

Annaliese

Convicts and the Cross

Messages of hope and healing shone brightly from the WYD Cross & Icon during their visit to the Port Arthur historic site on the Tasman Peninsula today. It was an intimate experience shared with many proud locals and a few from Hobart, and even the north of the state for this significant event in the Tasmanian itinerary.

The Cross was carried to four significant locations of the former penal settlement, including, the old Penitentiary, Army Barracks, Hospital and Asylum/Separate Prison. We heard some of the history of these places and were lead in a moving reflection to pray for those who today suffer persecution, offer service to their community, the sick and those who care for them and those who are outcast from society. We concluded with Mass in the ruins of the old Church, celebrated by Archbishop Doyle.

The Cross and Icon then followed into a touching and memorable evening at the iconic Kingston Beach. As the sun began to set we processed through the main road of Kingston to the beach. At the beach approximately 500 gathered with their tea lights in a service involving the whole body in prayer and veneration. We then continued in procession to Christ the Priest Church, as I turned to look back on the following procession, my heart skipped a beat, as all I could see along the road were flickering lights and the sound of chanting voices – the Spirit was truly alive here!
After celebrating Vigil Mass together, a small group stayed in the Church for a taize style prayer, the atmosphere and intimacy of the prayer bought many to tears in awe of the power of these symbols of our faith.

Rachael Smith (Hobart Youth Ministry Co-ordinator)

Cross & Icon take to the streets of Hobart

Today a crowd of secondary school representatives from Hobart’s Catholic Colleges descended on Parliament Square for a liturgy amidst the glowing autumn leaves before processing down to Constitution Dock and through the city. At each place that the Cross & Icon paused a Station of the Cross was prayed and the students reflected on Jesus’ final hours.

A most touching moment of the day was three young women who danced before the Cross in St David’s Park. The song’s words emphasised the sacrifice of Jesus and the praise that we now give him and the way that the dancers directed their gaze towards the Cross made for a very beautiful and meaningful part of the liturgy. The procession then continued via St David’s Anglican Cathedral before arriving at St Mary’s College where the final liturgy was held.
Later in the evening an event was held in the Youth Arc in the city that featured several young bands playing amidst the glow-bracelet hands of the young people who gathered for the event. Today had such a great vibe to it as young people from a variety of schools all took turns in carrying the Cross & Icon through their city and joined together in prayers and celebrations around these special symbols. What a great witness and so exciting to see so many young Tassie guys coming to WYD!
Bernadette

Cross brings high hopes behind high walls.

Today was a very moving day. We began with a school and parish stations of the Cross in Bridgewater.

We then travelled to the Risdon Prison. We had a liturgy in the Minimum Security area and both Men and Women Prisoners were able to join us. The liturgy was organised by some St Vincent de Paul volunteers and the Chaplains and Archbishop Doyle was also present. The Choir of High Hopes provided those gathered with some music reflections. We had a chance to chat to some of the inmates afterwards and they reported being very grateful that they got to experience the Cross. We then walked the cross and Icon around the perimeter of the Maximum Security Area and prayed for the inmates.

We travelled to Risdon Cove, a place of Indiginous significance and remembered all the Aboriginal Australian's who were killed and harmed due to white settlement in the area.

A parish Mass was held at Bellerive Parish and the many parishioners present helped create a wonderful celebration praying for the mission to rejuvenate our young church.

Annaliese

JCI passes through Hell’s Gates

After a stunning, yet steep and windy early morning drive we arrived at Strahan; a small harbourside village on the west coast of Tasmania. A crowd of a few hundred people were on hand to take part in this historic moment, where the WYD Cross & Icon would travel by boat through Macquarie Harbour (the second biggest Harbour in Australia), toward the legendary ‘Hells Gates’.

Hells Gates is the name given to the narrow entry point for boats into Macquarie Harbour from the Southern Ocean . When convicts were shipped into Tasmania in the early 1800’s, many died passing through this channel because of the rough seas and relatively little margin for error.
Thankfully with the introduction of much larger boats and advanced technology, a ride through Hells Gates isn’t quite as scary these days! As we passed through the channel we spent some time in prayer, particularly reflecting on the many lives lost here over the years.

The boat then turned around and headed back into the harbour and up into the Franklin River. Here the captain stopped the boat momentarily to point out the Huon Pine trees, some of them dating back to well before the time of Jesus! Being surrounded by this spectacular scenery, I couldn’t help but be touched by the immensity of Gods creation.

Dan

Burnie and Rosebery and the Cross and Icon.

This morning we gathered on the shore at West Beach in Burnie with students representing the surrounding schools. We processed the Cross through the streets to Marist College. Here, the WYD Pilgrims lead the schools in a liturgy celebrating their time with the Cross and Icon.

Later we drove towards the West Coast stopping at the primary school in Rosebery. Travelling with the Cross and Icon were students from Marist as well as the WYD pilgrims. Primary students were very captivated by the Cross and really entered into the spirit of the liturgy.

We continued west to Queenstown where a wonderful and uplifting Parish Mass was held. The Pilgrims and Students from Marist stayed over in Queenstown, sleeping in the school (WYD style!) so they could be ready for the next days adventures!

Annaliese

School students embrace Cross in Launceston & Devonport

Today began with students from Launceston having their opportunity to be with the Cross & Icon, before they were taken to the seaside town of Devonport. Primary school students and students from Brendan Shore College processed the Cross & Icon from the foreshore to their school where the symbols were given a hero’s welcome with a guard of honour into the school grounds.

A liturgy was held in the school hall, the highlight of which was the lively way the history and significance of the Cross & Icon was told by three of the students. The students had scripted out a drama where one student was explaining to another the history and significance of these symbols.





My favourite line was when one student asked if the symbols were just taken around to different places throughout the world “kind of like those people who take photographs of garden gnomes in locations all over the world?” The reply came that the Cross & Icon were indeed much more than symbols taken around Australia for photo opportunities! It was great to see the students engaging with the story of the Cross & Icon in such a relevant and entertaining way.

The symbols were then placed in the school chapel for a quiet afternoon of veneration. The parish of Wynyard were the hosts of the symbols for the evening and many young people gathered to witness the exciting event of having these symbols in their midst.

Bernadette

The Spirit arrives on Pentecost

After a smooth nights sailing across Bass Straight, the Cross & Icon arrived in Devonport early this morning aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. A group of excited locals braved the chilly morning to welcome the JCI to the Hobart diocese, as we came together on the waters edge for a short time of prayer.

We then travelled to Launceston where we met 350 pilgrims from the Hobart diocese, along with over 2000 parishioners for the diocesan Pentecost Mass celebrated by Archbishop Doyle. It was such an exciting start to the JCI in Tasmania! Seeing hundreds of pilgrims in their WYD t-shirts following the WYD Cross & Icon into the Mass was an awesome sight. The liturgy itself was also amazing - the sports stadium came alive with a huge choir and great community spirit.

After lunch a large number of young people processed towards the Carmelite Monastery. Again, it was great to be surrounded by so many joyful youth as we took over the streets of Launceston, chanting along the way.
Following a short time of prayer with the Carmelite Nuns, the procession then continued to the stunning Cataract Gorge (the JCI team didn’t attend this last event, so if you did please post a comment of your experience!)

As the community of Hobart came together today we all got a real taste of what’s to come in Sydney. Large faith communities, stirring liturgies & lots of youth: a great combination for experiencing the transforming Spirit of God!

Dan

Fun and the sea on Cross & Icon’s final day in Melbourne

This morning a Family Fiesta was held, with lots of fun and games outside while inside the Cross & Icon absorbed the final prayers and touches of many who had been following the symbols through their time in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.


The Cross & Icon were then processed along the Esplanade to Port Melbourne where a final farewell celebration was held and the Handover of the Cross & Icon took place with reps from the Archdiocese of Hobart on hand to receive the symbols.

Reps from Melbourne and Hobart then took the Cross & Icon aboard the Spirit of Australia ready for its night time journey across the Bass Strait. Later in the evening as we were setting out, a liturgy was held around the Icon which was a meaningful handover as reps from Melbourne spoke of their experiences with the Cross & Icon and reps from Hobart shared their hopes and dreams for the Cross & Icon in their Diocese.

It certainly was a great experience to accompany the Cross & Icon throughout the Archdiocese of Melbourne. So many events took place over the fortnight that they were in the Diocese and an estimated 37,000 people came out to see the Cross & icon while it was in this part of Australia. Thanks to all those from Melbourne who made the events possible and thank you for your faith and witness in carrying the WYD Cross & Icon as symbols of Christ’s love for humanity. All the best as you prepare to welcome 20,000 international visitors to Melbourne for Days in the Diocese and as a further crowd of thousands of Melbourne young people will descend on Sydney for WYD08! See you there!

Bernadette

Cross and Icon Formally Farewelled from Melbourne.

The Cross and Icon were formally farewelled today at a Civic Reception held at Australian Catholic University.

Pilgrims ride the WYD wave @ Bells

Early this morning the Cross & Icon were welcomed to Bells Beach, one of Australia’s premier surfing locations. Locals joined with a bunch of keen surfers for a prayer service on the sand, where we pondered on God’s incredible creation which surrounded us.

Next stop of the journey was a combined high schools event in Geelong. We began at St Josephs College where WYD pilgrims from various local schools came together, and then processed the Cross & Icon down Sacred Heart College. Once again it was great to hear students share their excitement about their trip to Sydney for WYD, and how privileged they felt that this Cross & Icon were at their school after travelling all over the world.

Dan

Cross & Icon's day by the water in Sorrento & Geelong

Today’s events began at Sullivan’s Bay with a sunrise liturgy by the sea before the small crowd that had gathered processed the Cross & Icon to the parish at Sorrento. Here the primary school students gathered for a mass, in which the students enacted the gospel story of the visitation in great style! It was lovely to see these students interacting with the Cross & Icon in a most prayerful way when it came time for veneration.
Next the Cross & Icon were boarded on the ferry bound for Queenscliff, before being taken to Geelong where a procession and a liturgy took place overlooking the beach.
Later in the day many local parishes gathered in the Basilica of St Mary for a youth event that featured mass, Stations of the Cross and prayers prepared by the young people of the Geelong area.
In all places today the Cross & Icon continued to spread Christ’s message of love for all people and their arrival celebrated by some great liturgies and creative ideas from the people of the Melbourne Archdiocese.
Bernadette :)

The Peninsula receives the Cross.

St John’s Regional College in Dandenong hosted the Cross this morning. We weren’t able to be there so please send us a comment and tell us what we missed! The Cross and Icon then went to Monash Uni for a prayer event including a procession through the Campus.

We travelled down to Mornington for the local parish cluster event held at Padua College. This included reflections hosted by each of the surrounding parishes and Catholic schools. It was wonderful to chat to the local young people and hear about their excitement for WYD.

Annaliese

Hope-filled morning at Melbourne Prison

This morning we accompanied the Cross & Icon to the maximum security Metropolitan Remand Centre outside Melbourne City, where two masses were celebrated by Bishop Prowse.

It was a very moving morning for us all as we witnessed the way in which prisoners were touched by the visit of the Cross & Icon, some moved to tears and they encountered the love of God in a deeper way through these symbols.
One younger man thanked us publicly at the conclusion mass, expressing how much hope the WYD Cross brought to the inmates. He shared how life in prison was tough; although it was through the grace of God that they found the strength to get through it.
Today’s visit of the Cross to the prison was a striking reminder for us all of God’s presence and unconditional love in our lives – through thick and thin!


Dan

World Youth Day Cross stops Melbourne!

A multicultural procession through the streets of Melbourne was the first event today. Thousands of people joined in the walk as the many migrant communities of Melbourne hosted the Cross and Icon. The vibrant and colourful procession began in Brunswick and continued down Rathdowne street, through the CBD and Federation Square before finishing at Birrarung Marr.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul also hosted the Cross and Icon today. Members from all across Victoria gathered to celebrate and reflect around these great symbols. We heard testimonies from members and learnt about the society’s involvement in World Youth Day.

Tonight finished off with a Gala Event at the Melbourne Town Hall. We heard from a panel of special guests who shared about how they put their Faith into action. We also enjoyed the awesome music of the Planet Shakers and other bands.

Annaliese

Youth of Melbourne take Cross to the streets

Today’s events began at St Vincent’s Hospital, East Melbourne, with an outside liturgy attended by employees of the hospital, local primary school students and the occasional passer-by keen to see what the fuss was all about! The Cross & Icon were then moved into the hospital chapel for a quiet time of prayer and veneration.
Next university students from Australian Catholic University carried the cross through the streets of Melbourne to their university, where a service around the symbols took place. The liturgy was attended by primary school students and university students alike and the involvement of the young people in the prayers, singing and witnesses was very impressive and it was exciting to meet so many students excited about the upcoming World Youth Day. The contribution by Gary Pinto, who sang ‘Behold the Cross’ and, the theme of WYD, ‘Receive the Power’ at the liturgy, was a really special part of the day.

The ACU students then carried the Cross & Icon out into the streets once more, where they were met nearby the uni by students from Penola College, who carried the symbols to the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre for a liturgy attended by the school students.
The last stop for the day was at Deepdene Parish, where two hours of prayers, testimonies and veneration proceeded a candlelit procession to Camberwell. The prayerful atmosphere of this evening was just magic, made even more special by the many young faces that made up the large crowd that walked between the two churches.

It was great to meet such a variety of people and see so many different parts of Melbourne today, but what stood out for me was the amount of time the Cross & Icon spent out in the public eye in the streets of Melbourne. It really spoke of what John Paul II told the half a million young people at the Denver WYD in 1993: Do not be afraid to go out on the streets and into public places, like the first Apostles who preached Christ and the Good News of salvation in the squares of cities, towns and villages. This is no time to be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the time to preach it from the rooftops.

Hats off to all the young people who came out today to do exactly this!

Bernadette :)

Ringwood hosts WYD Cross and Icon.

Tonight the Eastern region Parishes hosted the Cross and Icon. We gathered at the Ringwood Clock Tower and hundreds of young people processed the Cross and Icon through Ringwood Station and over to Aqunias College for the evening.

The parish event included testimonies, music from some local choirs, a drama, reconciliation and veneration. It was so wonderful to have an opportunity for all parishes in the area to work together and celebrate around our special Cross.

WYD Cross & Icon stop traffic in Melbourne City

After a huge Mass at the Cathedral last night, the Cross & Icon were again the centre of attention today – this time throughout the streets of Melbourne City!

Proceedings started outside the MCG where we prayed for a healthy sporting culture, before processing throughout the populated areas of the city. We stopped at various places of significance to offer up petitions, and spent the rest of the walk in song. Roads were closed off as a group of mainly young people carried these great symbols with pride. What a great witness!

Our destination was St Francis of Assisi, the oldest Church in Melbourne. In between their hectic schedule of Sunday masses, a full church gathered and participated in a liturgy, which included a very inspiring & moving time of veneration.


Dan

Vocations focus as Cross continues through Melbourne

Today’s events began with the Central Parish Cluster Event, held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, after which the Cross & Icon were taken to the Maronite community for a gathering and liturgy.

Later in the day the Cross & Icon travelled to be with the seminarians at Corpus Christi College for Vespers, before going to the Carmelite Monastery at Kew for a Vocational Awareness Event. The time spent around the Cross & Icon in this most prayerful and beautiful location was really special for the young people who gathered to be a part of it. It was a privilege to hear from two young religious about how they came to consecrated life, and to share in the veneration of the Cross & Icon with the crowd that overflowed out of the chapel.

It is quite remarkable the impact that the Cross & Icon continue to have on the communities they are visiting – and there is plenty more for the Archdiocese of Melbourne instore.

Bernadette :)

Melbourne welcome JCI with huge Mass at Cathedral

A few brave members of our team arose early this morning to take part in the Anzac Day Dawn Service at HMAS Cerberus. Immediately following we piled into the Chapel on base for Mass in the presence of the Cross and Icon, which was the final event in the Sale diocese. The community greatly appreciated the opportunity to pray with these powerful symbols on such a significant day - praying particularly for peace in our world.

After brekky with the military community, the JCI then continued on to the next diocese, Melbourne.

The first event on the Melbourne schedule was Mass in the Cathedral celebrated by Bishop Hart and concelebrated by other bishops and over fifty priests.
It was a truly spectacular celebration! The music was one of the many highlights, with a huge choir and orchestra producing breathtaking sounds as Guy Sebastian, Paulini, Garry Pinto & others led us in song.

A delegation of Sale youth processed the Cross & Icon into a jam-packed Cathedral where the official handover took place. Again, it was a moving time for all involved as one diocese sadly said farewell to these symbols that have touched many lives in their travels throughout the world.








Many thanks to the young people of Sale for making our time in your diocese so memorable, keep up the great work!!

Dan

Students follow Cross & Icon from Sunrise to Sunset

Todays events began with another magical morning with the Cross & Icon.








About 100 people, including students from MacKillop College, gathered on one side of the bridge that joins Phillip Island with San Remo. As we processed over the bridge towards San Remo, God smiled on us with a spectacular sunrise, creating a stunning reflection off the flat water below.








We then took part in a liturgy on the grounds in front of the Church before sharing breakfast as a community. Reflecting on the Cross in such beautiful surrounds this morning gave me a deeper sense of God’s limitless love and presence in my life. I think this feeling was shared by many this morning who appeared to be touched through the visit of the Cross & Icon.








Next stop was St Joseph’s Church Wonthaggi where parishioners and students gathered to pray with the Cross & Icon, before the journey moved on to St Peter’s Anglican Church in Leongatha. Here an ecumenical group gathered with students to meet the Cross & Icon, then processed through town and down to MacKillop College. We passed by a few schools on the way who joyfully greeted us as we walked by, and by the end many people had joined the procession!









Mary MacKillop College hosted a large mass which included students from other local schools, and then had an extended time for veneration in their chapel.









The final event of the day was at Foster, a small country town surrounded by incredibly beautiful landscape. Tonight’s event felt really ‘homely’. Locals came together in the Church, each bringing a plate for dinner in which we all shared after a short liturgy. As I attempted to eat my way through the many multicultural culinary delights on offer, I was reminded of how incredibly diverse our universal church is…and how hospitable!
The dinner was also a time of great sharing – particularly with students from MacKillop & Newhaven College. I was touched to hear how they had experienced and been changed by God’s presence as they journeyed with the Cross & Icon today. One student was particularly struck by the way different communities came together and expressed their faith and hope in Jesus. She was greatly strengthened by this.
All were excited about continuing their walk with God during the next 83 or so days leading up to WYD in Sydney.

Dan

JCI fever hits Sale's West Region

Wow, what a day! We started the morning at Columba Catholic Primary in Bunyip. The fog was thick and the students and staff was excited. The welcoming committee made the guests from St Johns and St James feel right at home. The highlight for me was everyone (even Father Michael) joining in the songs and actions. Go the Swap schools!!!

Next we were off to St Francis Xavier College Beaconsfield and Berwick. The atmosphere was reverent, respectful and truly moving. Each house prayed with the Cross and Icon before passing it on. At the Berwick campus the atmosphere was pumped and the students were overjoyed to be a part of the JCI action. It was great to see the local primary schools getting involved too.







The afternoon was spent at St Peters College in Cranbourne with their feeder primary schools. The guard of honor lining the path to the liturgy was beautiful and set the scene for a moving service. The Cross and Icon were then processed to the local Church draped in beautiful cloth and flowers.







The next big event was the Youth Festival. Great bands played easy listening and dance tunes all night while the Cross and Icon made a grand entrance, crowd surfed and then swamped by the waiting audience. It was a great night with a lot a fun times. Who would have ever believed that we would see young people dancing the Nutbush at the base of Cross?







The West region then finished their time with an all night Vigil at St Patrick’s Pakenham. Throughout the night each parish and group took turns to lead prayer and what a great job they all did. With the Church in Darkness, the Cross surrounded by candles we were all moved with beautiful singing, testimonies and the opportunity to spend some quite, private time with the Cross and Icon. A perfect end to a busy day.

So with two hours sleep I now sign off from the West region. A big thank you to all involved in the planning of the events and to those who attended and enjoyed. May God be with us all as we continue to Sydney and beyond.

Kelly Lucas
(Sale WYD Core Committee member)

Cross comes in many ways to people of Sale

A big day of events with the Cross and Icon began in Neerim with a Witness Walk. A group of true pilgrims set off after an early breakfast together to walk the 7.5km to Neerim South. Here a mass was held on the local oval, attended by primary and secondary schools from the local area. A special part of today was observing the colourful crosses that the primary school students had prepared to lay around the WYD Cross.
The outline of the Cross made by the students’ smaller crosses (as shown in the photos) will remain on the ground like this until the end of the week! The Cross & Icon were then taken to Marist Sion School at Warragul for a liturgy on the school oval that concluded with the students surfing the cross and with a lively Christian band entertaining the students.
A small procession then was led to the church by a group of students who will be coming to Sydney for World Youth Day. It was lovely to chat to these students about their hopes for WYD and their dreams for the future as we walked along towards St Joseph’s Church. A liturgy was held in the church and there was plenty of time for quiet prayer time and veneration before the Cross was taken to St John’s, Trafalgar.
Later in the evening a crowd gathered at Logan Park for a Youth Festival, which featured youth bands and speakers who played in preparation for the arrival of the Cross & Icon.
There was truly something special to see the young people process the Cross & Icon in on this chilly night, as the liveliness and movement of the evening came to a halt as everyone in the crowd stood in silence to welcome these special symbols to the event.

Bernadette :)

Parishes across Gippsland host the WYD cross!

St Michael’s parish in Traralgon hosted the Cross first up today and had a procession, Mass and time of veneration.

We arrived at Lumen Christi in Churchill for the end of their 11am Mass. After a time of veneration in the church the Cross and Icon were processed up to the school courtyard for a parish lunch and concert. It was so The Parish seemed so full of life and it was wonderful to share a meal with them as there was a real sense of community.

Sacred Heart parish in Morwell was next to host the Cross. They began their celebrations with a vibrant procession through town and then had a special liturgy at the Church. People from the parish spoke of how surprised they were to see so many present and what a sign of hope it was for them.

People from St Mary’s in Newborough also had an opportunity to pray before the Cross and Icon in their home town.

We finished tonight with a “Glow stick vigil” at St Kieran’s in Moe. This liturgy was put together predominantly by the young people of the parish and was beautiful. A couple of young people gave their testimonies in a particularly open way and others read prayers and reflections. The music ministry and prayer space was also set up in a way that made it so easy to connect with God.

Annaliese

Cross given a great country welcome in Sale Diocese

Beautiful blue skies on a great country morning set the scene for today when the Cross & Icon began in Stratford before being taken to Maffra for a procession down the main street.


The people of Maffra may have wondered what was taking place as a bagpiper lead the colourful procession down the street towards St Mary’s church, but if they had listened carefully they would have heard the prayers of intercession coming through the PA system to know that the reason the people had gathered on this day was for an event of faith. Something really touching and unusual about the procession this morning was that people of all ages came to carry the cross in their age groups…a great sign that although this Cross was entrusted to the young people of the world, the Cross is indeed a sign of Christ’s love for all of humanity.

Next the Cross was taken to the parish of Newry, where members of the Country Fire Association welcomed the Cross & Icon, to recognise the contribution that the CFA had made in recent times of flooding in the area. A lovely mass was held in the beautiful little church before a great community afternoon tea was held on the church grounds.










The final stop for the Cross & Icon today was at the parish of St Brigid’s, Cowwarr, where the parishioners got to have a hands-on encounter with the Cross & Icon by carrying it into the Church for a time of Adoration. The children of Cowwarr had prepared for the Cross and Icon’s arrival by picking posies of flowers and carrying them with their handwritten prayers to the foot of the Cross. What a beautiful day spent with some lovely communities (and lovely people, both young and young at heart) in the Heart region of the Sale Diocese!

Bernadette :)

Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale have their turn with the Cross and Icon.

Many people of Lakes Entrance began their day today doing something that is a little out of the ordinary - processing the WYD Cross and Icon across their beach whilst praying the Stations of the Cross.

We finished up at the Surf Club and all enjoyed a community breakfast and some time to pray before our special symbols.

We then processed the Cross and Icon over the bridge and carried them onto a boat for a short voyage.

The Cross and Icon continued on to Nagle College, Bairnsdale for a special combined schools liturgy.

Later tonight we gathered in the beautiful St Mary’s Church where we celebrated a moving Ecumenical liturgy. Many people had spent the entire day travelling with the Cross and shared how this had been a special day for them.

Annaliese

On the road again...

Well, well...today the Cross & Icon said goodbye to Sydney for the last time until it returns in July ahead of World Youth Day! The Cross & Icon travelled from Baulkham Hills, NSW to Lakes Entrance, Victoria, and will remain in the Sale Diocese for the next 7 days, before journeying onto Melbourne, Tasmania and Western Australia.

We would love you to post any comments about your experiences of the Cross & Icon in your parish, school or community during the last 9 months. Team 2 has had an amazing time so far and has really enjoyed the events around the Cross & Icon, meeting the people in the communities we have visited and enjoyed the hospitality extended so generously to us!

Thank you for all those who continue to pray for our safety and wellbeing. We pray that the lead-up to World Youth Day 2008 may be a really exciting and fruitful time for our country. And if the Cross & Icon are coming your way in the next 3 months, we look forward to seeing you soon!

From JCI Team 2

Cross embraced by young people of Parramatta

Today’s events began with a gorgeous sunrise liturgy at Govett’s Leap Lookout.

Another significant event from today was the blessing of a vacant block of land where a church will be built for the parish of St Mary of the Angels, Rouse Hill. I felt that it was really fitting that the Cross – a really significant symbol of new life – should come to this location that will transform from a simple piece of land into a great new place of faith and community. It was also really important that the young people of the Rouse Hill parish would be at the centre of the blessing of the\is new plot of land. It will be great to see the community flourish with these young people at the centre of the parish and leading the way post-World Youth Day.

Later in the day, the parish at Greystanes welcomed the Cross, the last parish in metropolitan Sydney to do so before the Cross returns in July prior to World Youth Day. A really beautiful evening of prayer, Stations of the Cross, Reconciliation and Eucharist was held and led by the young people. It seemed fitting that the young organisers of the event were wearing shirts with “You are the light of the world” embroidered on the back, because the main focus on tonight’s homily was calling the young people of Greystanes to do just that. Fr Chris Ryan urged the young people to look to the Cross as a symbol of overcoming the darkness of our world and to look to Christ as the one who brings light into the darkest places of our hearts and the darkest places of our world.

What a great community spirit there was in all the places we visited today, and very exciting that many young people will be gathering in Sydney in July for WYD!

Bernadette :)

The Cross and the Blue Mountains

In the crisp air of the Blue Mountains, with the background of the Three Sisters, the journey of the Cross and Icon continued.

Back at Katoomba Parish Mass was celebrated and there was a time of prayer and veneration. The Cross and Icon were then symbolicly handed over to youth from the Sale Diocese who had travelled all the way to receive them!

The oldest Catholic Church in the Mountains also hosted the Cross and Icon in a beautiful candlelit prayer service. Later the Blackheath Parish had a time of Taize music, prayer and the Stations of the Cross. It was wonderful to be present and feel the community spirit around the Cross.

Annaliese

Surprise Surprise at Palm Beach!

This morning people of the diocese came together at Palm Beach and took part in a spectacular event around the Cross & Icon. We started off with a bit of fun on the sand, trying our best to run like a crab and take out the great prizes on offer!

As the BBQ fired up for lunch we were then entertained by an awesome display of Japanese drumming as a large crowd started to gather.

Then came quite a surprise! Hovering over the lighthouse (the symbol of the diocese), was a replica of the WYD Cross, which was attached by rope to a helicopter. What a sight!! The cross was flown over the beach for a closer look.

The crowd then shared in a moving liturgy where we heard a striking testimony from a young person who’s life had recently been changed through her encounter with the WYD Cross.

The Cross & Icon then made their way back down the peninsular to St Kevin’s Dee Why. Here the community gathered for a time of Adoration, prayer and reflection.

Final stop of the day was St Augustines at Brookvale for Coexist – a youth gathering for people of Abrahamic faith with the local Aboriginal community.
The night was an opportunity for inter-faith sharing through speakers, music and a meal.

Dan

Cross shines its light over Broken Bay

The first event with the Cross & Icon today was held at St Paul’s College, Manly, where the students led a simple but effective Stations of the Cross, using contemporary scenes to illustrate the relevance of Jesus’ final hours to us today.
The students entered into the veneration time really prayerfully in the beauty of the school grounds, high up of the cliff overlooking the beach.
The next school the Cross & Icon went to was St Augustine’s, Brookvale, where the lively students greeted the symbols like celebrities, forming a guard of honour all the way up the school driveway. It was really powerful to hear three students share from their own experiences of faith as a witness to the other students gathered around the Cross today.
The Cross & Icon received a warm reception from the Stella Maris College students from Manly, where the symbols were a welcome addition to the school sports day. It was great to have the Cross come to the students in such a fun and energetic setting and was lovely to see the students dressed in their house colours coming to venerate the Cross & Icon, a reminder that Jesus is just as present with us when we are having fun as when we are praying in a church!
The last schools visit for the day was at Mater Maria, Warriewood, where the students greeted the Cross & Icon with a liturgy.
The afternoon consisted of a group of young people from the Broken Bay Diocese walking the Cross along Palm Beach and up a small track to the iconic lighthouse. A liturgy focussed on the importance of the lighthouse as a tool for navigation and as the sun began to set a liturgy was held around the Cross that focussed on the beauty and simplicity of creation. As we looked out over the water and faced to the four corners of the earth, we prayed in thanks for all blessings God provides for us in creation.








Thanks to all the cool young people the Cross & Icon got to hang out with today - especially those who slogged it up to the lighthouse!
Bernadette :)

Many schools experience the Cross and Icon and celebrate in their own ways.

Today the Cross and Icon spent time at five schools in the Broken Bay diocese.

Our first stop was St Peter’s and the surrounding schools in Tuggerah. Many of the students shared how they were getting excited about WYD. They all participated in a liturgy and had an opportunity to venerate the Cross and Icon.

Next up was Wyong High School. It was so wonderful to be able to take our specials symbols into this school. The students who came participated because they wanted to be a part of such a special event, not because of any obligation. There was a real sense of inclusion and unity.

We took the Cross and Icon to Wadalba Community school. Again we had an opportunity to specifically include the youth in our government schools. We had a special liturgy where we considered how Jesus fits in to our lives and what he is calling us to.

The next event was at MacKillop Catholic College in Warnervale with some other local students present as well. We processed the Cross, Icon and Message stick in, lead by 4 horses. This liturgy focused on the great work of Mary MacKillop, one of World Youth Day’s patrons.

The Cross and Icon went to the Edmund Rice Centre in East Gosford. The school had a large gathering and I was really touched by the testimonies of a few of the students who talked about their faith stories. Pretty brave in front of their whole year school! One Student spoke of all the great things he was doing to live a Christian life and how his motivation for this was “to be like Jesus”. So simple, yet what we are all called to strive for.

The Cross continued on to St John the Baptist Church however our day ended here – so if you were at that event and want to add some comments – please do!

Annaliese Wursthorn.

Broken Bay on the home straight

Today the JCI re-entered the diocese of Broken Bay for the final time before WYD!

After an early morning handover from the Parramatta diocese, we travelled to Mount St Benedict College for a liturgy where students led a reflection involving scripture, music and time for everyone to engage with the Cross & Icon up close.

Next stop was Mercy College in Chatswood where we arrived to a packed Church. Here students were treated to colourful display of dance, drama and singing before having an opportunity to add their own private prayers before these special symbols.

The final event of the day was at St Leo’s Wahroonga. Although the JCI team didn’t attend, the feedback was that it was a really special night. Ralph treated students and parishioners to a reflective experience with Lectio Divina hymns, meditation, Taize chants and intercessory prayers.

Dan

Comments please!!

Hi from team JCI!

Our team had a rest today, but the Cross & Icon soldiered on! So if you attended any of the events today please post a reflection of your experience!!

Thanks

Cross & Icon beside the seaside on last day in Wollongong

St Michael’s Parish, Thirroul were the first to greet the Cross & Icon in its last day in the Diocese of Wollongong. A fantastic procession led by the school students was a highlight of the day, with brightly coloured costumes and giant doves giving the procession a distinct seaside feel. The Cross & Icon remained in the Church for a short while, before being taken to a nearby stage as part of the annual Thirroul Seaside Festival.

A group of lively youth (a couple decked out in their Diocese of Wollongong t-shirts that read “Does this shirt make me look Catholic?”) led the singing in great style and explained to the community at large what this giant cross was doing in the middle of the town’s annual festival. It was great to see the young people witnessing to their faith in such a bold and vivid way.

The next part of the day was a real highlight as we walked the Cross & Icon over the iconic Seacliff Bridge – a procession that was remarkable for the colour and vibrancy it added to the spectacular landscape.
The people of Helensburgh then took the Cross & Icon to Bald Hill Lookout, another beautiful location as it looks out over the ocean and the Seacliff Bridge. The final event for the Diocese was a Mass at Holy Cross Parish, Helensburgh where the Bishop reflected on the past days and the road to Emmaus story was told, particularly fitting given the amount of processions that have been held in the Diocese over the past days!


It has been an incredible 13 days in the Diocese of Wollongong. So many events (63 to be exact!) have been jam-packed in to make sure that every community can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to be with these amazing symbols. The events have reached out to those in the wider community and I have been amazed by the BIG scale and BIG impact of the events. Thanks to the Diocesan team for all that you contributed towards the JCI and thanks to all those friendly faces we met along the way. I’m looking forward to seeing heaps of Wollongong youth in Sydney in July!

Bernadette :)

Light of the Cross Festival rocks Wollongong

Today contained many highlights!

Fire trucks transported the Cross from Fairy Meadow to Para Meadows School. Here the students had a chance to pray before and venerate the Cross and Icon before they were handed over to students from Wollongong University.

A procession was made to the University and then a liturgy was held.

St Columbkilles also had some time with the Cross before it was taken to the Light of the Cross Festival at the Win Entertainment Centre.

Here, thousands of people from all over the diocese gathered together to experience the World Youth Day Cross in a festival including music, dance and drama from the amazingly talented local youth. The show also featured performances from Emmanuel Worship, Australian Idol finalist Joseph Gatehau and Aria Award winner Damien Leith. Here are some pics to show you how cool it was!

Annaliese

Comments please!!

Hi from team JCI!

Our team had a rest today, but the Cross & Icon soldiered on! So if you attended any of the events today please post a reflection of your experience!!

Thanks

Young and old come to Cross in Unaderra, Berkeley and Warrawong

Today’s events began in Keelong Juvenile Justice Centre, Unaderra, where a small liturgy was held and the young men from the Centre had their chance to be a part of the historic journey throughout Australia of these great symbols of faith by venerating the Cross & Icon and taking a moment to remember the love of God as shown to us in the Cross.
It was really evident that this was special to the young men of the Centre as they proudly posed for photographs and chatted to the JCI team and the Diocesan team who accompanied the Cross & Icon into the Centre. It was again a great reminder for me of being faithful to JPII’s plea that the Cross be carried in the world as a symbol of Christ’s love for humanity, and that the journey of the Cross & Icon encompass the whole community and not limited to churches!

The next events of the day took place in Unaderra where a procession took place through St Pius X School and then to Immaculate Conception Church which was full to overflowing with hundreds coming to have their time with the Cross & Icon.

After the time of general liturgy and veneration, different cultural groups from the parish had time to pray around the Cross in their own languages and tradition, a beautiful reminder to me of the universality of our faith and the many different nationalities of pilgrims that will be on our doorstep in just a few months’ time.

The Cross & Icon also made a visit to St Mary’s Retirement Village, Berkeley, and spent some time in Holborn Park.
Next the Cross & Icon were taken to Warrawong where a lively procession was led in a spirit of great joy and celebration to St Francis School where a colourful liturgy was led by the school children, before the Cross & Icon were taken to Flagstaff Park.

Again, today’s events were so varied and it was great to see so many people from different communities having their chance to have a special moment with the Cross & Icon, and it was great to see the young people in these communities taking the lead in the events.

Bernadette :)

Another full days activities around the Cross and Icon!

An all night vigil was held around the Cross and Icon at Jamberoo Abbey before 5:30am Mass and a handover. From here they travelled to St Matthew’s Jamberoo and St Paul’s Albion Park. They visited St Joseph’s High School then went on to St John’s primary school in Dapto.

We then processed the Cross and Icon over the Windang Bridge to Reddall Park for a special Aboriginal Greeting ceremony and festival.

We then went to Stella Marist School for another service including dance, drama, music and veneration.

The Cross and Icon continued over to Caroline Chisholm memorial and to St Paul’s Albion Park for another vigil celebration.

Annaliese

Cross & Icon welcomed by Bomaderry, Kiama and The Abbey

Today’s events with the Cross & Icon included a visit to Bomaderry Homes, where members of the Stolen Generation were housed in the 1950s. The liturgy here incorporated Indigenous dancers and the chance for veneration.

Next the Cross & Icon were taken to Kiama, where the symbols were processed along the picturesque esplanade to Sts Peter and Paul Church, where it was standing room only as hundreds of people flocked to the liturgy and veneration.

The Cross & Icon were then processed to Hindmarsh Park where a youth festival was held the included performances from a great range of local young people. There was a great community atmosphere present in Hindmarsh Park and it was wonderful to see so many young people gather around the Cross & Icon with such joy and a sense of celebration.
A candlelight procession along the foreshore and a liturgy around the Cross & Icon was carried out really prayerfully in a beautiful location overlooking the water with the stars twinkling in the sky above.


The Cross & Icon were then driven to Jamberoo Abbey, where a crowd of onlookers welcomed the symbols in the darkness and then proceeded to pray the Stations of the Cross down the main driveway of the Abbey to the Chapel. I was really struck by the way the Stations were so relevantly applied to today’s world, and the atmosphere in the Chapel was incredible with the candlelight and the singing of the Benedictine nun’s voices making for a beautiful time of prayer around the Cross & Icon.

Today has seen some really varied events take place around these great symbols entrusted to the young people of the world by JPII, but in every location today I am sure that he was smiling down really proudly as young and old danced, sung, partied and prayed before the Cross & Icon.

Bernadette :)

WYD Cross & Icon take a sea change

Today was another incredibly scenic experience as we travelled to Ulladulla, Huskisson and finally Nowra.

A large crowd gathered on the grass in front of Holy Family Church for morning Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter, and then processed down to Ulladulla Harbour for community celebrations around the Cross & Icon.

After lunch we moved on to Vincentia where the Cross boarded a boat and was driven to Huskisson boat ramp. Here a large crowd was on hand, ready to make the most of their time with these special symbols. School students, Cadets and various community groups helped carry the Cross & Icon after they arrived by boat.
We then moved into a time of liturgy, which began with a lovely Welcome to Country by the local indigenous community.

Final stop of the day was St Johns Nowra for Mass. We had a great welcome here from an excited group of young people, keen to add their own contribution to the pilgrimage of the Cross & Icon.

As Fr Chris so rightly shared, although we took the Cross to some truly beautiful locations today (and throughout the whole journey), the beauty of the Cross always holds its own. It continues to bring its life changing message of hope, reconciliation and love to people wherever it travels - a beauty that has been well received by people of all ages.

Dan

Memorable riverbank Mass at Kangaroo Valley

This morning Berrima hosted the Cross & Icon at Penrose Park, a Shrine run by the Hermits of St Paul.

We started by processing down Hanging Rock road and into Penrose park, where we recited the Stations of the Resurrection around the grounds, before reaching the Church to celebrate Mass with Bishop Peter.

Following lunch we processed the Cross up to the beautiful Grotto for further prayer. On the way we walked through “Mercy Gate” - a large red & white cloth that signified the blood & water which poured out of Jesus on the Cross. I was really touched as we prayed for God’s Mercy in this powerfully symbolic and unique way.

Next stop of the day was picturesque Fitzroy Falls. Here we gathered under the cover of huge trees for a liturgy where we broke bread together to remind us of the presence of Jesus in our lives. The youth then walked the Cross to the lookout and Father Chris lead us in prayer; praying particularly for those who over the years have taken their lives at this place. We finished off the event back under the trees with Veneration of the Cross & Icon.

Final stop of the day was Kangaroo Valley where the community walked the Cross & Icon through the main street and towards the riverbank which provided a stunning backdrop for evening Mass. Many locals were moved as they celebrated the Eucharist in such a beattiful setting. The youth then continued the pilgrimage up to Glenmack Park Campground, braving the very cool conditions for an all night Vigil.

Dan : )