Global Operations: Operation TESTAMENT
26 March 2008
World Youth Day Cross and Icon at HMAS Kuttabul
In what marked a small miracle befitting of Easter Monday, a storm suddenly cleared when the World Youth Day Cross and Icon was handed over to Bishop Max Davis, Catholic Bishop of the ADF, in front of the main gates of HMAS Kuttabul at 8.45 am.
The storm that had raged for several hours suddenly dispersed to allow 100 young Catholics in the ADF and cadets to carry the Cross and Icon on a Rosary Procession around the base to the Naval Chapel.
Bishop Davis said it was good to start the day with a small miracle.
During the Rosary Procession, prayers were recited alongside HMAS Darwin and at the HMAS Kuttabul Memorial, which commemorates the 19 Australian and two British sailors killed when three Japanese midget submarines attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942.
At the chapel, Bishop Davis led a World Youth Day-style Catechesis session which was attended by scores of RAN, Army and Air Force personnel, as well as their families.
Bishop Davis said the liturgical focus was on "The Empty Tomb", which reflects on the day after Easter Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the Disciples found Jesus' tomb empty.
The Catechesis session also included the Veneration of the Cross and Icon, testimonies of faith from those who serve in the ADF, as well as music and "praise and worship" songs.
Bishop Davis also celebrated an emotionally moving Holy Mass.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul Commander Bryan Parker said the Journey of the Cross and Icon was an international event that Kuttabul was proud to be part of.
| 20080324ran8098978_009 Black storm clouds hovered overhead like the 'Sword of Democles' but failed to dampen the spirits of the ADF personnel who participated in the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon which made its way to HMAS Kuttabul on Easter Monday. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8098978_066 ADF personnel who participated in the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon which made its way to HMAS Kuttabul on Easter Monday. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8484535_005 ADF personnel who participated in the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon which made its way to HMAS Kuttabul on Easter Monday. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8484535_019 Bishop Max Davis of the Catholic Diocese of the Australian Defence Force makes his way to HMAS Darwin in company of other ADF personnel where they will pray for the men and women of the ADF deployed overseas. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8484535_029 In front of HMAS Darwin are ADF personnel who participated in the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon which made its way to HMAS Kuttabul on Easter Monday. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8484535_109 ADF personnel who participated in the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon which made its way to HMAS Kuttabul on Easter Monday. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8484535_125 ADF personnel who participated in the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon at HMAS Kuttabul's Naval Chapel on Easter Monday. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8484535_129 Bishop Max Davis of the Catholic Diocese of the ADF enters the Garden Island Chapel. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080324ran8484535_137 Bishop Max Davis of the Catholic Diocese of the ADF play's his part in the Veneration of the Cross and Icon. (Date taken: 24 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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