Although the Journey of the Cross and Icon Team will continue on in Adelaide, today marked our final full day with the Journey of the Cross and Icon. The drive from Willunga back to Adelaide took us along the water’s edge. The blue waters and white sand of Australian beaches are beautiful beyond words, and this moment of awe was another of the gifts of the journey.

The evening began with a service at Holy Spirit Church followed by a dynamic procession of youth to Henley Beach. As we neared the beach, the sun was setting. With music filling the air and the unmatched beauty of the sun’s setting over the waters, the Cross and Icon were set up in the sand, and a graced evening of prayer and opportunities for confession on the beach unfolded. All seemed reluctant to leave even long after the moon appeared and the sunset faded.

The Cross and Icon were packed into their special trailer and driven to the last parish for that day, Sacred Heart Church. The Church was full to overflowing with people who had come to keep an all-night vigil with the Cross and Icon. The program for the evening was well-planned to incorporate the gifts and talents of many youth. From the prayerful music, to the moving testimonials, to the youth-led and performed dramas, the focus on leading the young people to the Cross and ultimately to Christ Himself was clear.

This final night proved a hope-filled conclusion to a blessed journey. Witnessing the power of the Holy Spirit to stir into flame the hearts of the young has re-energized our efforts to pray and work for World Youth Day and the countless souls who will be touched and transformed by Christ through this great event.

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