Students keep faith as an icon crosses their path

By Glen Atwell
THE World Youth Day Cross and Icon arrived in Cranbourne on Tuesday, marking an historical moment for the local Catholic community.
Like the Olympic Torch and Commonwealth Games Baton, the Cross and Icon travel the world between youth days, held every three years, to deliver a message of hope, peace and unity.
The Cross and Icon began its local journey at St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield, before moving to the Berwick campus.
The procession continued to St Peter’s College in Cranbourne and then to the nearby St Agatha’s Church.
It returned to St Francis Xavier in Beaconsfield for a night time youth festival and ended the day at St Patrick’s Church in Pakenham.
World Youth Day 2008 will be held in Sydney between 15 and 20 July and is expected to attract more than 125,000 international visitors.
Sister Mercy from St Agatha’s Church said it was a thrill to have the Cross and Icon visit Cranbourne.
“In spite of the efforts made by the WYD08 team to ensure the Cross and Icon travelled to every state in Australia, some people will not have the opportunity to host these symbols of our faith,” she said.
“We in Cranbourne are blessed with the presence of these historic symbols.”
Sister Mercy said youth day was a world-wide celebration.
“The event is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome to attend.”
The July event will also mark the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.