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.