Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Oct 26/01) - Fort Simpson will soon have a cross to bear, a very large one.

Standing four metres high and weighing 65 pounds, the wooden cross is expected to arrive from Rae-Edzo Nov. 3. It's a gift that Pope John Paul II bestowed upon World Youth Day delegates in 1984.

World Youth Day is celebrated every second year and will be held in Toronto from July 18-28, 2002.

During last year's event, 1.6 million youth ages 16-35, from 150 countries, gathered in Rome, Italy to celebrate their Christian faith.

The cross is touring the country to generate awareness of next year's event, where the theme will be, You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.

Father Joe Daley said Fort Simpson was likely chosen as a destination because Pope John Paul visited the community in 1987.

Daley said he's hoping this will be an occasion that will involve the entire community. He's already received commitments from local people to transport the cross to and from Fort Simpson.

Others have offered to host dinner and various activities when it arrives.

"This is all outside our church setting," Daley said. "It's tremendous community support."

A gathering at the arbour is planned. People can come together around the fire and then a candle-light procession can proceed, he noted.

As well, Rev. Carol Vatcher and Pastor Harold Gambler have agreed to host a joint ecumenical service the morning of Nov. 4, before the cross is sent east.

A introductory World Youth Day cross video has been shown at Thomas Simpson school and the feedback was said to be positive, according to Daley.

Some delegates from the NWT will likely attend World Youth Day festivities in Toronto, possibly even delegates from Fort Simpson.

"Our hope is if we have this (cross) and it's a good experience, then someone will say, 'Let's look at this (event),' and pick it up and run with it," he said.