18th July 2007

The World Youth Day Cross and Icon have commenced their journey to Australia. The Cross and Icon will visit most Dioceses across Australia, with our own Parramatta Diocese among the first, on its journey to World Youth Day 2008. We were privileged, honoured and excited to host the World Youth Day Cross and Icon at St Andrews Parish, Marayong, on behalf of the Blacktown Deanery. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for parishioners and members of our local community to experience the significance of such an event. We welcomed all people from the Diocese, but in particular from the greater Blacktown area, who joined us on this wonderful occasion.

Clickto see pictures of the experience

Clickfor information on the World Youth Day Cross and Icon.

We prepared for their arrival with the Monday evening of Praise and Worship. On an extremely cold night, around 250 people joined in with hymns, prayers and accounts of experience and conversion.

On Tuesday, we held an evening of Solemn Preparation with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation and a concelebrated Mass. On another bitterly cold night, around 400 people participated in a very powerful evening of prayer. Fr Chris D’Souza, Episcopal Vicar for Formation for the Diocese, gave a very powerful homily that brought home the true meaning of the presence of The Cross for us all.

Wednesday evening saw the arrival of The Cross and Icon a little earlier than planned, which was just as well! Over 4,000 people came to witness, reflect, pray, touch, sing, and be moved by its presence. A continuous queue wound its way through the church and back outside, for another 50 metres at times, as people patiently took their turn for a personal encounter. It was a wonderful night of celebration with singing and prayer, also with Reconciliation, the Stations of the Cross and The Rosary recited in a multitude of languages represented in the local area. Prayer and reflection continued until The Cross and Icon left us near midnight.

On all three nights, the wonderful reception group braved the chilly night and provided an endless supply of food and drink to warm the body while inside the church we were all warmed at the heart and the soul. The sense of community was magnificent.

We thank everyone involved in the planning and execution of the week from all over the Deanery. Your efforts helped to make it a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.

This was just the beginning of the Journey to World Youth Day 2008. Keep watching this page for details of all happenings.

Journey Prayer
Clickfor A Prayer For The Journey of the WYD Cross & Icon of Our Lady.