World Youth Day Icon

The cross does not journey alone, however. In our time it will always be accompanied by an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (as Christ Himself was accompanied by his mother in history.) On Palm Sunday in Rome, 2003, a delegation of Canadian youth passed on the cross to that of Germany.

On the same occasion, Pope John Paul II entrusted to the youth an icon of the Blessed Mother that would accompany the cross. “It will be a sign of Mary’s motherly presence close to young people who are called, like the Apostle John, to welcome her into their lives,” said the pontiff.Impact: So the cross and icon are carried together through the world touching hearts and inspiring holiness. There are countless testimonies from people who have encountered the pilgrim Cross and Icon. One youth from Canada’s delegation to receive the cross prior to WYD 2002 in Toronto said, “This cross has had a tremendous impact on all of the nations where it has been present. This was evident to me during the ceremonies when we received the cross from the Italians. They were extremely emotional, crying tears of sorrow because they did not want to give it up. We, on the other hand, were crying tears of joy because we were receiving a powerful symbol that we know will impact our nation.