On Sunday 24th January, 2010, in preparation of Pope’s Benedict XVI’s visit to Malta, the Diocesan Commission for Youth started a pilgrimage through various localties with replicas of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon. The Youth Commission said this occasion should serve as a pilgrimage for every Christian, layperson, consecrated or religious, to reflect on, and prepare for, the Pope’s visit.
The journey started on a sailing boat which left the Excelsior Hotel marina in Floriana and carried the Cross and the Icon to the Sliema shore. Youths from the Salesian Brigade, ZAK (Catholic Action Youths) and the Neocatechumenal youths participated in this event. Once on shore, the Cross and the Icon were passed on to the Jesus Nazarene Youths who will be keeping these religious symbols for a week. The Cross and Icon will then be passed on to the Salesian Youths who will take them around other Churches in Sliema. Every week, the Cross and Icon will be passed on to various parishes where Mass is animated by youths. This journey will continue until 18th April, when the Cross and Icon will be taken to the Granaries in Floriana for Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. In the afternoon, the Cross and the Icon will be taken to the Valletta Waterfront were a celebration for youths will be held.
Click on the photo to enlarge. The photos of the Archbishop’s events may be purchased from PHOTOCITY, Valletta. Tel: 21236723. Email: [email protected]