The Barcaldine community welcomed the Cross outside the Sacred Heart Parish Church. The local elder of the indigenous community gave a traditional welcome to the country. This was followed by the 12th Station of the Cross and a welcome by the Barcaldine Shire Council on behalf of the people of Barcaldine.
A procession of light, sound and much waving of banners and cloths then took the Cross to the centre of town for an outdoor liturgy. The rhythm of the drums gave the procession a real feeling of “carnivale” and set the scene for a spirited night of camaraderie under the stars by the site of the Tree of Knowledge.
During the Liturgy the Cross was “surfed” over the people who were eager to touch the Cross. Veneration, allowing for a personal encounter with the Cross, followed. Those pilgrims traveling to Sydney next year were called forward and blessed and presented with a banner which will travel with them to Sydney and then return to be hung in the local Church. The banner was made at the welcome with locals signing and making prints of their hands on the banner. Warming food and entertainment by local young guitarists and singers rounded off a wonderful evening.
The crowd was much, much larger than expected with people of all faiths, ages and backgrounds. All were united by the symbol of the Cross and so many expressed how they were unexpectedly moved by their experience of the Cross, feeling a connection with it and with each other. It was altogether a prayerful, joyous and powerful evening.
1 comment:
...I guess it's no surprise to see so many people moved by the Cross. Surely it's the most powerful symbol in history. How shocking - that the All-powerful God would willingly become human and then endure the Cross - why? To save us who had sinned against Him! It's so great to see the Cross made so visible, reminding everyone of the Infinite Love of God - and challenging us to try and love in the same way. Thanks for the updates bloggers! - StGghS
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