Today’s events took place against a backdrop of beautiful blue skies, glorious sunshine and the lush New England landscape. The morning began with the friendly faces of the Guyra parish processing the Cross & Icon into their Sunday mass. The crowd that gathered attracted many young people from the local area and some visitors from interstate. After mass the Cross & Icon were then processed to the nearby Anglican Church for veneration and a liturgy.
The Cross & Icon then made a stop at the Wyoming homestead where they were placed for prayers and veneration in a most picturesque and prayerful location and greeted by a warm and friendly assembly.
The next stop was Inverell, where a procession began from the Inverell Pioneer Village, with the Cross & Icon being carried by many of the crowd who had come to take part in the arrival of the symbols to the town. The Cross, Icon & Message Stick were the focal point of a celebration held 
in the beautiful river-side location of Campbell Park, which also included entertainment from local groups.
in the beautiful river-side location of Campbell Park, which also included entertainment from local groups. A highlight of the afternoon was the performance of Bob Blair, who enacted the emu, kangaroo and goanna in an Aboriginal dance. Fr Bernie Frize spoke at Campbell Park about the three histories of indigenous Australians, the Catholic Church and European settlement coming together because the timing of the Cross, Icon and Message Stick coincides with the Australia Day long weekend celebrations. Fr Bernie encouraged the 400-strong crowd that gathered to continue to work towards unity in our country and to look to Jesus as a man who gave all he could for others.
The Cross & Icon’s day then concluded with a Mass at Sacred Heart Church, with a strong attendance by young members of the parish enlivening the Eucharist through their participation.Thanks to the many friends we made in Guyra, Wyoming and Inverell today - we look forward to seeing many of you in Sydney at World Youth Day!
Berna :)
1 comment:
Hey Guys...
I had the honour of being one of the flag bearers that brought the Cross and Icon into Inverell on the 27th January 2008.
It was truly a wonderful honour and a day I will never forget. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the Cross and Icon's journey to my hometown. It was a day that will be forever etched in my memory.
Have a safe trip for the remainder of the journey and I hope to catch up with you all in Sydney.
ROCK ON JULY!!
Megan Gaukroger
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