SATURDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2007. Blessed by calm seas and beautiful weather, the Royal Australian Navy's new Armidale Class patrol boat, HMAS Broome was turned into an open-air, floating chapel today, as she embarked on a voyage from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef with the World Youth Day Cross, Icon and Aboriginal Message Stick. The Message Stick is a traditional Aboriginal symbol used to pass messages between Aboriginal tribes. The World Youth Day Message Stick, which accompanies the Cross and Icon where Aboriginal youths are present, spreads the message of Christ's love and encourages them to gather in Sydney in July 2008 for World Youth Day.

HMAS Broome departed at 9:30am from Cairns's Trinity Wharf with members for the Diocese of Cairns onboard. Thrity lucky sea-riders, predominately made up of local youths, were selected for this historical trip.

Deacon Matt Ransom, of the Diocese of Cairns, led a moving ecumenical service onboard Broome during the reef visit, in the vicinity of Fitzroy Island. Deacon Ransom prayed through the Cross and Icon for the environment, reminding those gathered that the Book of Genesis could be describing the abundance of life forms of the Barrier Reef and its surroundings. "I have seen people touching the Cross and afterwards they are glowing, their pain is gone. As humans, if we do not turn to the Cross to take our pain, then we take it out on our environment," he said. In addition, Lieutenant Ivan Yau offered a prayer, on behalf of the Bishop of the Australian Defence Force, for God's blessings on the men and women serving in the Defence Force. "By Your powerful spirit, shield them from all harm. Uphold them in good times and bad ... hasten the day when the human family will rejoice in lasting peace," he prayed.

In a symbolic gesture, the WYD Cross was lowered to the waterline above the Great Barrier Reef, allowing the 3.8 metre-tall wooden Cross to 'touch the reef' as the traditional hymn Behold the Cross was sung by the youth. This was symbolic of the endangered reef's need for the Lord's protection, as well as, the youth's commitment to the Baptismal promises of all Christians.

The Commanding Officer of Broome, Lieutenant Commander Aaron Nye, said "that the crew of Broome is immensely proud to be a part of this historic occasion, and are fortunate for this opportunity to engage the local Cairns community". The Fleet Public Affairs Officer, Lieutenant Sally Hoskins, added that "it is a privilege for Navy to lend support to an event that focuses on the development of youths in Australia".

In a special way, the Cross and Icon reunited four 'old boys' from Marist College in Canberra. Lieuntent Commander Aaron Nye, Lieutenant Commander Andrew Hawke (Commanding Officer, HMAS Wollongong), Deacon Matt Ransom (WYD Coordinator, Diocese of Cairns) and Father Chris Ryan MGL (Cross and Icon Manager) were all involved in this historical trip.

On behalf of the Bishop of Cairns, Deacon Matt Ranson thanked the Navy, the Commanding Officers of Broome and Wollongong and the crews for their hospitality during the Cross and Icon's day at sea.

MEDIA CONTACT

For further information about the WYD Cross and Icon's visit to the Great Barrier Reef, please contact:

Deacon Matt Ransom
World Youth Day Coordinator
Catholic Diocese of Cairns
Email: wyd@smcc.qld.edu.au

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Hawke, RAN
Commanding Officer ARDENT SIX
0400 143 317
Email: andrew.hawke1@fleet.defence.gov.au

Lieutenant Sally Hoskin, RAN
Staff Officer Navy Reputation Management
(02) 9359 4627 / 0409 836 343
Email: sally.hoskin@defence.gov.au

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