FRIDAY, 25 APRIL 2008. The Journey of the WYD Cross and Icon came to a deliberate stop on Friday morning to remember the ANZACs, side-by-side with the faithful serving in the Australian Defence Force and their families. During the WYD Cross and Icon's journey through Victoria, these significant religious items were taken to the HMAS CERBERUS Naval Base near Melbourne where an ANZAC Day Commemorative Mass was celebrated by Naval Chaplain, Father Paddy Sykes.

"We welcomed the World Youth Day Cross and Icon this ANZAC Day. It was an important day for the Military Diocese and for all Australians." said Father Sykes.

ANZAC Day commenced on the Base with a traditional Dawn Service, followed by a Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel where the Cross and Icon were present. The humble congregation were invited to venerate the Cross and Icon after Mass, as prayers were offered by the local military Catholic community for those who have died for Australia.

Bishop Max Davis, the Military Ordinary Bishop of Australia, also welcomed World Youth Day's support of ANZAC Day 2008. "We were very pleased to have these symbols with us while we reflected on this significant day of our country's history. It was extremely pleasing to see that the young people of Australia, represented by the World Youth Day movement, paying their respects to the men and women who have fought for the democracy, peace and freedom that we enjoy in Australia today.

"Since 1984, the Cross and Icon have travelled around the world bringing peace and hope to places of significant suffering. Therefore, as symbols of Christ's love for humanity, it was fitting that the Cross and Icon paused amongst Australian servicemen and women, on ANZAC Day, to unite with them in prayer for those who have sacrificed their lives for this nation," said Bishop Davis.

Sub-Lieutenant Chris Keast who is a Seminarian of the Military Diocese and based at HMAS Cerberus was touched by the Cross and Icon's visit on this important day. "ANZAC Day defines the Aussie Spirit - we can find many parallels between those who have sacrificed their lives for our peace and freedom with the suffering and death of Christ on Calvary.

"On such a busy morning, the congregation was much larger than we expected, and for us to be able to celebrate Holy Eucharist on Australia's special day, in the presence of the Cross and Icon that has brought the Holy Spirit to so many people around the world, is truly a wonderful blessing.

"My fellow parishioners and I truly felt that the Holy Spirit was with us in commemoration this morning.

Lest we forget.

For general information about the WYD Cross and Icon's journey around Australia, visit the official World Youth Day Cross Website.