World Youth Day cross, icon arrive in Australian city of Perth

Published: 2008-05-21

PERTH, Australia (CNS) -- The World Youth Day cross and icon arrived at the airport in Perth May 20 before a five-week road trip of more than 5,000 miles and four dioceses. Archbishop Barry Hickey of Perth said that the arrival of the cross and icon in Western Australia should inspire its youth to "change the world." After a local aboriginal dance group performed a traditional ceremony to ward off evil spirits from the cross and icon, the archbishop called on the youths of Western Australia to use the opportunity of seeing the cross to encounter Jesus personally. He said that as a symbol of suffering and love the cross also signifies Christ calling the youths of the state to "reach out in love to those who are suffering in our own society, and in doing so follow the call of Christ." The archbishop said, "If they follow Christ, then they can change society into one of peace and justice."

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