The Journey of the World Youth Day (WYD) Cross and Icon came to a deliberate stop on Friday morning to remember the ANZACs, side-by-side with the faithful serving in the Australian Defence Force.

Currently travelling through Victoria, the WYD Cross and Icon were part of an ANZAC Day Commemorative Mass celebrated by Father Paddy Sykes on the Naval Base HMAS CERBERUS near Melbourne.

"We welcomed the World Youth Day Cross and Icon this ANZAC Day. It was an important day for the Military Diocese and for all Australians." said Father Sykes.

HMAS CERBERUS is one of the Royal Australian Navy's premier training establishments. About 6000 recruits are trained each year on the base, averaging 800 trainees on location at any one time.

ANZAC Day commenced on the Base with a traditional Dawn Service, followed by a Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel where the Cross and Icon was present.

Bishop Max Davis, the Military Ordinary Bishop of Australia, also welcomed World Youth Day's support of ANZAC Day 2008.

"We were very pleased to have these symbols with us while we reflected on this significant day of our country's history. It was extremely pleasing to see that the young people of Australia, represented by the World Youth Day movement, paying their respects to the men and women who have fought for the democracy, peace and freedom that we enjoy in Australia today.

"Since 1984, the Cross and Icon have travelled around the world bringing peace and hope to places of significant suffering. Therefore, as symbols of Christ's love for humanity, it was fitting that the Cross and Icon paused amongst Australian servicemen and women, on Anzac Day, to unite with them in prayer for those who have sacrificed their lives for this nation," said Bishop Davis.

The World Youth Day Cross and Icon were handed to Australian representatives in Rome on Palm Sunday 2006, and since then have been on a pilgrimage to Australia through Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Since arriving Down Under in July 2007, the Cross and Icon have visited 22 of Australia?s 28 regional dioceses. The Australian Journey will culminate in a 15 day walk through Sydney before arriving at the World Youth Day Opening Mass on Tuesday 15 July 2008.

Around 500,000 people are expected to take part when Sydney hosts the 23rd World Youth Day from 15-20 July this year. The event will also mark the first visit to Australia by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Only 78 days to go to WYD08!