EASTER MONDAY, 24 MARCH 2008. Coinciding with Pope Benedict XVI's Easter Message, appealing for peace around the world, the Catholic community of the Australian Defence Force gathered at Garden Island Naval Base, Sydney, around the Holy Cross and Icon of Mary, to pray for peace.

On a wet morning that broke into sunshine, the Cross and Icon arrived at the Navy Base and was welcomed by about 100 Defence members, Australian Defence Force Cadets, families and friends. After a simple handover from the young people of the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Defence Catholic community gathered, with HMAS Darwin as a backdrop, to pray for our colleagues currently serving on dangereous, overseas deployments. Prayers where led by Monsignor Brian Rayner Catholic Principal Chaplain - Navy.

Bishop Max Davis led a Rosary Procession through the base asking Mary, Help of Christians and Patroness of the Military, to intercede in our prayers for peace around the world. The Rosary concluded at the HMAS Kuttabul Memorial, where the Cross was once again raised and prayers led by Navy Systems Command Chaplain, Fr Stuart Hall, were said for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom and security of our nation.

"It was an important opportunity for us to offer our prayers for those who have and are currently defending the security and peace that Christ had promised us," said Bishop Davis.

An honour guard formed by the Australian Defence Force Cadets welcomed and saluted the precious religious symbols as they were carried into the Naval Chapel. Lieutenant Tim Suttie inspired the congregation with a testimony of his experiences at previous World Youth Days and the Catholic faith as an Army Officer. The ceremony included a reflective reading of the Gospel according to Saint John, by Military Seminarian Sub-Lieutenant Chris Keast, that reflected on the theme of the day - the "empty tomb" without Christ's body that Mary Magdalene and the Disciples found upon Christ's Ressurection (John 20:1).

Those gathered were encouraged to make a personal engagement with Christ through prayer and the veneration of the Cross and Icon. Beautiful singing and music provided by a choir of friends provided a reflective and emotional background for prayers. The ceremonies climaxed with the celebration of the Eucharist by Bishop Max Davis and concelebrated by Catholic priests (chaplains) of the Australian Defence Force.

At the conclusion of Mass, the congregation gathered for photos and hot cross buns as the Cross and Icon were farewelled to the Diocese of Wollongong at Varroville Parish, to continue on their journey to spread the message of the Risen Christ's love for humanity throughout the world.

Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul, Commander Bryan Parker, said the Journey of the Cross and Icon was an international event that Kuttabul was proud to be part of.

CONTACT

For further information about the Military Diocese's celebrations with the Cross and Icon at Garden Island, please contact:

Fr Stuart Hall
Catholic Military Chaplain (Royal Australian Navy) - Sydney Area
Military Diocese of Australia
Email: stuart.hall1@defence.gov.au

For media related questions, please contact:

Flying Officer Kai Ianssen
Defence Public Affairs Officer
Joint Task Force 665 - Operation Testament - World Youth Day 2008
Email: kai.ianssen@defence.gov.au