| By Nicole Ferrie
World Youth Day - Cross of hope
By NICOLE FERRIE
WHEN Pope John Paul II gave the young people of the world a symbolic cross in 1984, no one knew what was to follow.
“Carry it throughout the world as a symbol of Christ’s love for humanity,” he said.
And like an Olympic torch, it has carried the flame of Jesus and ignited the passion of young Christians across the globe, guiding them to attend World Youth Day.
More than 500,000 turned out at World Youth Day in Denver 800,000 at Toronto, 1,200,000 in Paris and 1,600,000 in Poland.
Now, it’s Bendigo’s turn.
The cross and icon arrived in the city yesterday, drawing Christians of all faiths to witness one of the most significant journeys in Catholic history.
The visit is also an effort to rally the pilgrims for one of the biggest events Sydney will ever host – World Youth Day 2008.
As the lyrics to the event’s theme song Receive the Power echoed across the grounds surrounding Lake Weeroona yesterday morning, so began the Bendigo journey.
Primary school students carried the cross and icon throughout the city, followed by a pilgrimage from La Trobe University to St Kilian’s last night.
St Kilian’s parish priest Father Rom Hayes said nothing prepared him for the impact of the cross and icon on those who witnessed their journey.
“It’s almost mysterious that a simple cross can have that kind of power, to move us,” he said.
“It does things to your faith, it stirs up your faith; it’s got many messages.
“It talks to everyone who carries their cross, and everyone carries a cross.”
The cross and icon will again be at St Kilian’s today, where a morning mass will be held from 7.30am.
Catholic College students will then carry the cross and icon past Bendigo’s major landmarks to a council reception in the Town Hall.
A lunch will be held in the Sacred Heart Cathedral grounds from 12.30pm before students from across the diocese participate in mass with Bishop Joe Grech at 1.30pm.
Quiet veneration and prayer will be held in the cathedral from 3pm before a mass, handover ceremoney and quiet prayer time from 7pm until 10pm.
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