Monday 12 May 2008

On the final day of the Journey of the Cross and Icon (JCI) on Saturday 10 May, parish hosts and hard working volunteers and families came out in droves to participate in the Family Fiesta at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Middle Park.

The Fiesta featured a wide variety of food stalls, bands, entertainment and family fun activities in honour of all the incredible efforts of our host’s during the JCI.

As part of the Fiesta the Sudanese choir performed a range of culturally inspired musical pieces with a 5 piece band.  The Sudanese community have featured in a number of JCI events throughout Melbourne including the Multicultural Procession, the Youth Gala and the opening Mass.

The choir was followed by popular Melbourne-based Christian jazz band Grace_Note.  Grace_Note’s jazz-fusion style had families, children and the crowd alike bopping along to their smooth rhythmic tunes.  Grace_Note proved to be a popular feature to the strong musical line-up.

The Fiesta was a relaxing and family friendly occasion where the communities and parishes came together to celebrate the final day of the Journey of the Cross and Icon in Melbourne in a welcoming atmosphere.

The final procession of the Cross and Icon commenced from Our Lady of Mount Carmel church down the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay on route to the Spirit of Tasmania.  The scenic walk featured a large crowd of cross bearers eager to have their last opportunity to carry the Cross and Icon before the handover to the Archdiocese of Hobart. 

Upon arrival at the Spirit of Tasmania, the Cross and Icon was met by Archbishop Hart, Mr Charles Griplas CEO of the Spirit of Tasmania, Captain, Glenn Cole and a team of young Hobart Ambassadors.

The Archbishop sent a message of encouragement and hope to the young people of Hobart who will take up their role as custodian’s of the Cross and Icon for its tour throughout Tasmania.

The Archbishop went on to thank the tremendous efforts of the Days in the Dioceses team for the work over the 15 day tour here in Melbourne.

Days in the Dioceses and WYD leaders, Teresa Wilson and Tim Davis will lead the group of young Melbourne Ambassadors on the journey to Devonport and will then participate in an official handover ceremony to the Archdiocese of Hobart in Launceston on 11 May.

The Spirit of Tasmania voyage was a fitting finale to a memorable 15 day Cross and Icon tour of Melbourne.

Visit the Days in the Diocese website www.did08.com for more on the JCI and Melbourne's World Youth Day preparations.