Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - The young Catholic Church in Solomon Islands is preparing to welcome the symbols of World Youth Day. The World Youth Day Cross accompanied by the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary which started a pilgrimage through Asia and Oceania in February are expected to reach Solomons on Easter Monday 9 April and tour the area for a week.
In view of the event Catholic parishes, associations and youth movements have organised awareness building events for young people in view of World Youth Day in August 2008 in Sydney
Together, the Cross and Icon have travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometers around the world, carrying the Catholic Church’s message of peace, hope and faith. Last April, Australia was handed the Cross and Icon by previous international World Youth Day hosts Germany during a Papal Mass at the Vatican. The Cross and Icon then travelled to Senegal to begin a journey across the African continent. They are now in Australia’s charge for a pilgrimage through 20 nations in Asia and Oceania, that began with South Korea. In late June, the Cross and Icon will visit New Zealand before heading to Australia for a 12 month nationwide journey to the World Youth Day Opening Mass on 15 July 2008 in Sydney. Originally given to the world’s youth by Pope John Paul II in 1984, the Cross has made its way around the world throughout Europe, behind the Iron Curtain, to the Americas, Asia and now Africa. In 2003, His Holiness gave the Icon as a second symbol of faith to accompany the Cross. “The Journey of the Cross and Icon is an invitation to the people of Asia and Oceania to join us in Sydney to celebrate World Youth Day with His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. “The Journey of the Cross and Icon will inspire young people from the region to make the pilgrimage to Sydney for World Youth Day. “We know that for many young people in Asia and Oceania, this is their best opportunity to attend a World Youth Day and share in its powerful message.
World Youth Day organizers, who are supporting the Oceania itinerary, have had enthusiastic responses from the region. “In places like East Timor, the dioceses have told us they don’t just want to host the Cross and Icon - they need it to bring some light to their troubled times,” World Youth Day Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2007 righe 25 parole 258)
