ORGANISERS of the World Journey of the Cross and Icon (JCI) in Townsville claimed a world first when the sacred symbols were taken underground at the Hard Times Tourist Mine in Mount Isa on September 9.
World Youth Day co-ordinator for Townsville diocese Rachel Grahl said it was the first time the Cross and Icon had been underground since the start of their global journey in 1985.
The event was one of many highlights during the journey of the sacred symbols through Townsville diocese.
Other highlights included a gathering of more than 3000 secondary students from Catholic colleges in Townsville at the entertainment and convention centre on September 12 to welcome the World Youth Day Journey of the Cross and Icon (JCI) to the city.
The symbols also were included in a Road Train Muster in the shape of a cross at Cloncurry, and travelled by sea for indigenous celebrations at Palm Island.
Ms Grahl said the successful journey followed more than 12 months of planning.
“We are so proud of the communities in our diocese – both large and small – who have pooled their resources and energy into staging events and activities to welcome the Cross and Icon,” she said.
The Cross and Icon were transported by the HMAS Wollongong to the Great Barrier Reef yesterday, September 22 where they were dipped in the ocean as part of their current journey through Cairns diocese.
