Wai Chin with the World Youth Day Cross

Testimony of Wai Chin Hwang (Regnum Christi, Toronto)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride."

On Sunday, June 2, I had the privilege of carrying the WYD cross from Grafton to Cobourg, a total distance of 12 km. This is something I had always dreamed of doing, but thought it would never happen in reality. But God in His infinite wisdom, has made it possible through a coincidence of several events happening in our family.

The cross has a very special meaning to me. It is a symbol of love, of sacrifice and a symbol of our Christian heritage. Jesus suffered and died on the cross to give us a new life, a more abundant life. Through His suffering we obtained peace with God, and joy in our soul. Therefore I always consider suffering being very good to us. It is in suffering that we are being purified. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.." (Matthew 16:24). My life has been blessed with numerous little crosses, like my impaired speech, my disabled foot. I thank God for these little crosses. I pray for the strength to embrace them, to cherish them. Look, if Jesus could carry the huge cross all the way to Calvary, why can´t I carry a tiny little cross in my journey of life? Ever since I heard of the WYD cross, I have wanted to touch it, to carry it. Would I have a chance? Most likely not.

In March, we were blessed

	Wai Chin had the grace of carrying the World Youth Day cross.

with a cottage in Haliburton, something we had been seeking for 15 years and thought would never happen. Then it was announced in the little church in Minden that the WYD cross was coming to the diocese of Peterborough, and volunteers were invited to go and walk with the cross. I jumped at the invitation. So on Sunday, June 2, Paul took me to the church for 8:30 am Mass. After mass, I joined a group of about 10 parishioners and drove to Grafton, which is about 21/2 hours away. From there we would walk with the cross all the way to Cobourg, which is about 12 kilometres away. With my foot still not completely recovered from my injury last July I asked God to give me strength for the journey. And He sure did! Not only strength, but a lot of joy in the company of the faithful. As soon as our eyes laid on the cross in Grafton, emotions welled within us. The 25 portageurs graciously let us take up to the cross to carry it. Then the Cross was on my shoulder, what a privilege!

There were about 150 people, young and old, men and women, rich and poor, with one being blind and another lame, (compared with him, I am in much better shape). We sang, we prayed, we laughed, we talked, we shouted, we waved our flags, little children were carried on the shoulders of the adults, the blind was led by his friends and the lame was helped along with strong hands. The generosity of all the people was unbelievable. The whole thing was just incredible. There was so much joy! I felt so great that I did not notice any hurt from my foot. Amazing grace! Alleluia!

The journey was divided into four parts with three rest stops where volunteers would provide refreshing fruits and drinks. After the first part of 4 km, my friends persuaded me to rest my foot. So I was taken in a van and followed the procession. But I had not given up. I rejoined the group, and carried the cross for the last part of the journey, all the way into St. Michael Church in Cobourg.

When I finally put down the cross and secured it on the stand, I took a step back and had one last look at it. Wow! I could not believe that I actually carried the cross for a total of six kilometres! Thank you God for making it possible for me!