World Youth Day 2008: Catholic Olympic Torch is Coming



The Catholic equivalent to the Olympic Torch, the World Youth Day wooden cross, is arriving in Sydney tomorrow, after travelling across the world and throughout the host country, Australia. The cross was introduced by Pope John Paul II when he created WYD in 1984 to symbolise Christ's love for all people.

The cross which has an Icon of Our Lady and an Indigenous Message Stick arrives in Australia on 1 July for a 15 day walking pilgrimage around each Australian diocese. It will make various stops including cathedrals, the Great Barrier Reef, war memorials and even shopping centres and sports stadiums and the walk is expected to gather huge crowds.

WYD '08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher said: "The purpose of the WYD cross, Icon and Message Stick is to invite young people to World Youth Day and to spread a message of hope, peace and Christ's love for humanity."

Via The Independent Catholic News.

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