Hundreds of Catholic school students from Canowindra, Cowra and Eugowra gathered for ceremonies throughout Cowra to mark the visit.

The ceremonies started at the Cowra Peace Bell with an official welcome, followed by a procession along Kendal Street to St Raphael’s School.

Schools then combined at St Raphael’s for a celebration before the cross was taken to the site of the Cowra POW Camp for a reflection service.

It was then taken back to St Raphael’s Church for mass prior to making its way to River Park for a Way of the Cross ceremony and picnic dinner.

In a moving twilight ceremony the cross was then taken to the Lachlan River for an official handover to the Canberra Goulburn Diocese where it will make its next visit on its journey to Sydney for World Youth Day.

St Raphael’s principal Michael Gallagher told the gathering in the school grounds that something significant was happening.

“To our youth group, I have rarely seen such enthusiasm, dedication and seriousness of understanding of the significance of what is happening here today,” he said.

“Today is a moment of significance is your life and in all of lives. To the youth group that has helped bring this cross and icon here, thank you for what you have done. You have brought us a holy and wonderful experience.”