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 :)