Mission Possible

In 1984, the Cross was given to us by Pope John Paul II. Our mission? “Carry it throughout the world as a symbol of Christ's love for humanity, and announce to everyone that only in the death and resurrection of Christ can we find salvation and redemption.”

In 2003, Pope John Paul II gave us a second symbol of faith – an Icon (the Greek word for image) of Jesus being held by his mother, Mary. It is “a sign of Mary’s motherly presence close to young people who are called, like the Apostle John, to welcome her into their lives.” In all things, she is a reminder and encouragement for us to “remain strong in the faith, constant in hope, persevering in charity, always attentive to the word of God.” (Pope Benedict XVI)

Journey of the WYD Cross and Icon

Have a read about some of the amazing past and upcoming adventures of the WYD Cross and Icon as they continue to journey around Australia in the lead up to World Youth Day in July...

Have a read of the official WYD Cross and Icon blog here

Diocesan Gathering at Barrenjoey

On Saturday, April 12th, a huge Diocesan gathering was held at Palm Beach. Activities for all ages included beach games, a jumping castle, and a BBQ generously organised my members of the Lakes parish. The highlight of the morning was watching the Broken Bay WYD Cross being flown high above the beach and Barrenjoey lighthouse, dangled from a helicopter, while the real WYD Cross and Icon were walked up the beach into our gathering.

Check out the photos here...

COEXIST

COEXIST symbols On Saturday, 12th April, a vibrant and energetic inter-faith dialogue night was held at St Augustine's College, Brookvale, organised by the Diocese of Broken Bay WYD team. The event was one in a series of events called COEXIST, in which members of the Aboriginal community, and the Islamic, Jewish and Christian faiths come together in the presence of huge symbols of faith - the Cresent Moon, Star of David, and WYD Cross, Icon and Message stick. The night included talks from elders and youths from each community, as well as musical items, dances, and cultural exchanges.

To find out more, or to get involved with the next COEXIST evening, to be held on Thursday, 17th of July (during World Youth Day), please contact Kelly Edmunds - kellyedmunds@gmail.com

But why?

Why a cross? Why this cross? What's so special about these symbols?

The WYD Cross and Icon are 2 symbols of the Catholic and Christian faith, given to the youth of the world by Pope John Paul II. They are literally huge – the Cross is 3.8m tall, and the Icon – a painting of Mary, holding Jesus as an infant – requires at least 4 people to carry it.

The World Youth Day Cross and Icon have racked up some pretty impressive frequent flier miles… Travelling non-stop for over 20 years, they have visited the sites and the communities behind the most significant moments in our history – Rwanda, Ground Zero, the Solomon Islands in the wake of the 2007 tsunami, the North/South Korean border, the Berlin Wall. The cross was even smuggled behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War!

Just as significantly, the Cross and Icon have been present at every World Youth Day since its inception in 1984. WYD is celebrated locally each year, but every 2-3 years is marked by a week long gathering and festival – this year held in Sydney!

For the past year, the Cross and Icon have been crossing Australia. Their travels have included taking the Ghan railway through the Red Centre, catching the Manly ferry, being escorted by a fleet of Harleys, visiting Kevin Rudd at Parliament House, and, of course, being shouldered by thousands of young people, uniting us with our brothers and sisters across the globe.

Veneration

Many who encounter the Cross and Icon chose to “venerate” them – touching, kissing, or kneeling before them. This is not “worshipping” these material items, but rather using them to direct our love and worship to Jesus, the Son of God who died for us on the cross. Feel free to interact respectfully with the Cross and Icon in the way you are comfortable with. These external actions are no more than a reflection of our internal response to God.

The Cross - In venerating the Cross, we are acknowledging and accepting the love of the one who hung upon it for our sake. This unites us not only with the millions of others who have venerated the WYD cross, but with all people of every time who have said ‘yes’ to the ultimate gift of love.

The Icon - We can also venerate the Icon, expressing our love for Mary and our desire to imitate her life of obedience and love. This isn’t worshipping Mary, but rather honouring her, just as Jesus did all his life, in fulfilment of the command to “Honour your father and mother.” As our mother, Mary prays for us, loves us and helps us in all things.