The blessing and launch of the Youth Pilgrim Cross that will accompany participants at this year’s Antilles Episcopal Conference Youth Assembly (AECYA), took place on Palm Sunday (Apr 1) at the Derek Walcott Square, Castries, with visiting Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli conferring the blessing, and entrusting the Cross to the scores of youth in attendance from various parishes.

Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Girasoli with youth after blessing the Pilgrim Cross

The Cross was then carried in procession through the streets of Castries to the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception where it was placed in front of the sanctuary.

The launch was part of Palm Sunday celebrations.

According to Archbishop Robert Rivas, who heads the Youth Assembly planning committee, the Youth Pilgrim Cross is intended to be a powerful symbol of hope, peace and conversion. It will travel to the various parishes in the weeks leading up to the Youth Assembly in July, serving as a great source of witness to the Light.

The Archbishop encouraged the youth to embrace the Pilgrim Cross, and pledge their commitment to carry it faithfully from parish to parish as a testimony to their faith and discipleship.

Meanwhile, plans continue apace for the hosting of the 2012 Assembly, which is expected to attract hundreds of Caribbean youth. A website: www.aecya.lc and facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/aecya2012 have been launched to provide information on all aspects of the event.