WYD Cross & Icon Visit the Vietnamese Catholic Community

Saturday, December 15th 2007

Saturday the 15th of December, 2007

The dawn service was a great idea but getting up on time was easier said than done. The sun was definitely up by the time the small sleepy group gathered at the foot of the Cross holding candles and singing songs to welcome the new day. Today we were going to share our beloved Cross & Icon with the wider Vietnamese community at Cabramatta.

The gathering at Cabra-Vale Park was small but in very high spirits. People surged towards the Cross & Icon so we in WYD shirts had to quickly secure an area around the Cross &. As I watched the crowd form a line and briefly touch, hug, and kiss the Cross & Icon of Mary, I felt so blessed to have had so much time, so many special moments with the Cross & Icon on my own, with my friends and with my parents.

I was privileged enough to be asked to carry the Cross from the park to Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta. A large crowd had already gathered at the Plaza, not only to be with and to view the Cross & Icon but also for Bishop Terry’s address. His speech was uplifting and I felt proud to be in my yellow WYD4VN shirt, to be young, Vietnamese and Catholic.

By the afternoon I was so tired from lack of sleep, the scorching heat and the general excitement of the whole weekend, I almost decided against going to Mulgoa. I reasoned that in an hour I would no longer be able to be close to the Cross & Icon ever again, even if I wished it. So with that decided, I set off for Mulgoa, where we were to hand over the Cross and Icon to the Parramatta diocese. Mulgoa…. It was a beautiful tranquil setting; lush green lawns, willow trees with a quaint church so small the Cross had trouble fitting through the doors when it was carried in. It was peaceful and the German parishioners, although a small congregation, were welcoming and friendly. We were all very emotional as we handed over the WYD Cross & Icon of Mary plus the testimonial register. The Cross had only been with us for 24 hours but it had become a part of us. We all had learned how to take care of it and it had nourished us in returned.

And just as the Cross & Icon have come, so will World Youth Day 08’ and it too will quickly pass. However, the emotion, the love, spirit, peace, strength and hope that it will bring, will revive us, inspire us and will forever have a place in our hearts. So, I hope everyone is registering!

Firstly, a big thank you to Anh Loc and the World Youth Day Team, especially Phuong Pham our Thanh Nien representative, for the memorable event. Also to all our volunteers and supporters who helped out or simply attended this once-in-a-lifetime event. Thank you to all for your continued interest and support. Peace.

Written by Diane Le