WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS AND ICON TO VISIT QUEENSLAND: PREMIER

Premier Peter Beattie has pledged Queensland Government’s strong support for celebrations across the State in the lead-up to World Youth Day in 2008.

Mr Beattie said the Government would provide $44,000 (including GST) and in-kind assistance for events across Queensland which include the Journey of the Cross and Icon of Our Lady later this year.

World Youth Day is an international pilgrimage and religious celebration for young people which began in 1984. Held in Germany last year, it will be hosted by Sydney from July 15-20 2008, attracting an estimated 125,000 overseas visitors.

“World Youth Day is an important religious, spiritual and cultural pilgrimage for young people around the world who will come together to celebrate their faith in the presence of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI,” Mr Beattie said.

“My Government is proud to be part of Queensland’s celebrations,” he said.

“I will also host a State Reception at Parliament House to commemorate the Journey of the Cross and Icon through Brisbane.”

Along with the funding, the State Government will provide operational advice and support to the Queensland World Youth Day Secretariat on road closures, transport, event management, policing, security and emergency services.

“My Government is pleased to support these celebrations which will give communities across the State and visitors from around the world a timely and important message of hope, peace and unity,” said the Premier.

The Brisbane Journey of the Cross and Icon events will be held from August to September this year, and include a Mini World Youth Day Celebration, two Pilgrimage walks and the Civic Interfaith Reception.

The Journey of the Cross and replica of the Icon of our Lady in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome will involve young Queenslanders transporting the 3.8 metre high wooden Cross

from Toowoomba through to Cairns, en route to the Northern Territory.

The national Journey of the Cross and Icon starts in Sydney this July 1 and proceeds through all States and Territories before arriving back in Sydney in time for World Youth Day in July 2008.

Archbishop John Bathersby welcomed the funding support.

“On behalf of the Catholic Church I am delighted to accept Premier Beattie's offer of financial and in-kind support for World Youth Day-related activities,” Archbishop Bathersby said.

“The Premier's generosity will be enormously helpful in preparing for World Youth Day and a fitting acknowledgment of what will be a significant local, national and international event,” he said.

“With the presence of Pope Benedict XVI and tens to thousands of young people and visitors arriving in Australia at that time, World Youth Day will provide an opportunity for Catholics to engage publicly with the broader community.

“Catholics throughout Australia will offer hospitality to the multitude of overseas pilgrims who will arrive in 2008 and whose presence will bring great benefits to the community.”

April 7, 2007

MEDIA CONTACTS: Premier’s Office – Wendy George 0400 760 492

Catholic Communications Office – Adrian Taylor 3336 9325,

0419 027 769