As the sun rose this morning, the Cross & Icon were carried up Mugga Hill for a very powerful Stations of the Cross service led by the people of Dubbo.The Cross & Icon were then taken to nearby Wellington, where a ceremony was held in a beautiful park setting and included participation by various of the community’s youth.
Later in the day, the symbols went to Lake Burrendong to be with the 180 young participants of Manna Fest, a youth festival in its second year organised by the Bathurst Diocese. The Cross, Icon and Message Stick were greeted by the Aboriginal dance group Wiradjuri Echo and were present to mark the start of the two-day long festival.
In the evening, the Manna Fest community gathered for a prayerful reconciliation service and a lively concert that continued well into the night. A highlight for the attendants of Manna Fest was the opportunity to ‘surf’ the Cross during the concert – a lovely symbol that Christ’s presence is powerfully among us in times of celebration and joy.
It was such a privilege to be present at Manna Fest and to be a part of an event where the Spirit was so alive in the young people who attended. The presence of the Cross, Icon & Message Stick was a really significant symbol of the universality of the Church for the young people at Manna Fest, a reminder that in faith we are not just connected to one another in our community, but part of a worldwide family followers of Christ.Berna :)
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