Cardinal Pell and WYD08 coordinator, Bishop Fisher OP, were present with artist, Paul Newton, when the painting of 'Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians' was revealed.

Newton explained to those present the Australian aspects of the painting, noting the Southern Cross and Two Pointer stars, as well as the dry Australian landscape at the bottom. 

Mary is depicted wearing a wattle garland and looking at the infant Jesus that she holds.

Newton detailed the way in which Mary is holding Jesus - not keeping Him to herself and in a way handing the child to the viewer or inviting the viewer to come to him.

One pilgrim present at the unveiling, Elise Nally, 19, says she was incredibly impressed with the piece.

"Once the veil was completely removed everyone was quiet and watched in awe," she says describing the momentous occasion. 

"The painting is an amazing piece of art and I'm very excited for pilgrims to see it."

The painting will remain in St Mary's Cathedral for the rest of the WYD festivities in conjunction with the relics of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and is definately something to visit.

Image is (c) & courtesty of www.wyd2008.org  

This Saturday, July 12, from 9am - 4.30pm, Brisbane will experience one of its biggest 'Days in the Diocese' events with over 10,000 pilgrims expected, as well as thousands of the general public.

Traffic in Brisbane's CBD will be stopped while up to 5,000 pilgrims make their way through the streets of Brisbane from city churches to the Roma Street Parklands.

The "Heart of the City" event is open to all and features entertainment, food and fun from 9am to 4.30pm.

Over 1000 young people and families visited the Cross and Icon during an all night vigil last night at Redfield College in Dural (outer northwest Sydney).

After arriving at 2pm yesterday, visitors flowed into the Chapel to be present with and venerate the Cross that has spent the last year travelling around Australia visiting Dioceses, parishes and schools. 

"It was a wonderful opportunity to remind us that as Chrisitans that we need to follow the Cross" says David Youl, who is leading the 'Ignite 08' pilgrim group, who was present last night. 

"For me personally, it was a timely reminder that all is for the greater glory of God."

"Jesus said 'take up you Cross and follow me' so it really struck a chord - particularly just a few days out from WYD with the stress of organising a  large pilgrim group for WYD," he continued in the midst of picking up WYD tickets this morning. 

 "It was an amazing experience" he said.

The all night vigil with the Cross & Icon concluded with 7am Mass, before heading off to the North Shore.