School replicas of the WYD Cross and icons of Our Lady made by students in Years 10-12 from Marist College, Eastwood were recently blessed by Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney.

Fifteen students from the College's World Youth Day Committee, together with the Technical and Applied Studies Teacher Mr Tom Dyson, spent one week designing and building the replicas in the school's woodwork classes.

The replicas will be used to aid the students in their preparations for the event next year.

 "We will symbolically place the icons in our classrooms to guide us in our faith journey," Anthony Munro, WYD Co-ordinator said.

"They will remind us that Jesus is always with us, through the intercession of Mary Our Good Mother. It will be our school's inspirational symbol as we prepare for World Youth Day 2008 as a College community, and in our own spiritual journey."

Mr Munro says the replicas will also be displayed prominently in the school grounds to act as a focal point for assemblies and liturgies.

During the blessing ceremony, the replicas were carried in procession to remind the students of Christ's sacrifice and love for all humanity. Cardinal Pell urged the students to unite with the world's youth in Sydney next year, before joining them in their daily Rosary at St Kevin's parish.