Media Release
31st May 2007, 1:00pm

World Youth Day Cross coming to Christchurch
Catholic Cross comes to Christchurch

The World Youth Day Cross and Icon given to the young people of the world by Pope John Paul II are to come to Christchurch next month. Since 1983 the Cross, joined by the Icon in 2003, have travelled throughout the World and have been met by countless millions of young people.

Edmund le Grelle, World Youth Day Coordinator – Christchurch, commented “The cross and icon will be in Canterbury and Westland for four days. Some of the highlights of the visit include: ecumenical Prayer Around The Cross at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Prayer Over The City at the Bridle Path, and an inter-faith Peace Walk through the city of Christchurch”

The Cross and Icon will travel the length of NZ from south to north from June 10 – 30. Following this journey 30 young New Zealanders will handover the Cross and Icon to the young people of Australia in impressive ceremonies set down for July 1 in Sydney.

“It will be an exciting time for all young Catholics and a great time to be part of something that will culminate in the key event in Sydney next year”, said Mr le Grelle.

This journey is one part of the preparations towards the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day week to be held in Sydney from July 15-20, 2008. Just as the Olympic torch is planned to journey around the world to meet athletes, supporters and officials in Beijing later in 2008, the World Youth Cross has journeyed from Europe, through Africa, into Asia, through the Pacific to New Zealand and finally to Australia.

The Cross and Icon will spend a year travelling around Australia prior to the World Youth Day celebrations culminating in the final event on July 20 where 600,000 people are expected to join Pope Benedict XVI for a Mass at Randwick Racecourse.

ENDS

www.worldyouthday.org.nz

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