On April 6, 2025, the World Youth Cross arrived in the Chittagong Diocese, and hundreds of Christian devotees offered their devotion and love to the cross through worship of the cross, prayer, and the Eucharist throughout the day. The cross is a sign of salvation and a living example of God’s immense love for mankind.
The cross, which was once a symbol of barbaric torture, has today become filled with immense glory through the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus.
Significance of the World Youth Cross:
The World Youth Cross is a very ordinary wooden cross. It was first installed by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in 1983 on the Jubilee Year of Salvation. The journey of the cross began in 1984 when Pope John Paul II called on young people to Rome and gave them the cross, saying, “Carry it throughout the world and bear witness to the love of Christ.” Since then, the World Youth Cross has traveled from country to country, from generation to generation, carrying the message of God’s love for humanity. Through this cross, countless young people have regained the light of their lives and have tried to dispel the darkness of the world with that light. Through the touch, prayer, and love of countless young people around the world, this very ordinary wooden cross has become extraordinary and a symbol of strength and hope for young people.
Portrait of Mother Mary accompanying the cross:
Just as Mother Mary traveled with her son during the suffering of Jesus Christ, she also witnessed and endured the immense suffering of her son and gave her the courage to walk that path for the benefit of humanity. Similarly, the portrait of Mother Mary is carried with the World Youth Cross so that she can give courage, inspiration, and strength to all the young men and women to carry the cross of their lives.
Arrival of the World Youth Cross in Bangladesh:
Every three years, young men and women from all over the world come together to celebrate World Youth Day at the call of the Holy Father Pope. In the past years, after traveling to different continents, in 2027, World Youth Day will be held in Korea, the cradle of the Asian continent. Earlier, World Youth Day has been held in Italy, Argentina, Spain, Poland, America, the Philippines, France, Canada, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Panama, and Portugal.
Since the next World Youth Day will be held on the Asian continent, an opportunity has been created for Bangladesh to bring this cross for the first time. Before coming to Chittagong, this cross traveled to Dinajpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka. And after completing its journey in Chittagong, this cross will be taken to Japan.
