Badges are traditionally used by the Australian Defence Force to symbolise units and operations. Bishop Max Davis has commissioned a military-style badge for the Military Diocese of Australia's involvement in World Youth Day 2008. This badge compliments the official World Youth Day logo and is made up of several meaningful elements:
  • The map of Australia represents our island continent - the nation we defend and protect.
  • The yellow stars which sit on top of our country makes up the Southern Cross. Like the star which led the Three Magis (Three Kings) to Bethlehem, the stars of the Southern Cross will guide Catholics in Australia towards Jesus Christ.
  • The red dove which symbolises the Holy Spirit is looking over and bringing peace to Australia. This Holy Spirit will give us power, and make us witnesses' of the risen Christ.
  • The three colours are the traditional colours of the three services that make up the Australian Defence Force - navy blue representing the Royal Australian Navy, red representing the Australian Army, and light blue representing the Royal Australian Air Force.
  • The "M" shape stands for our Mother Mary. This reminds us that Mary, Help of Christians, is the patroness of the military, and she protects us with her maternal love.
  • The words "Australian Defence Force" and "World Youth Day - Sydney 2008" link Australia's military with the great spiritual event that the Pope and the Holy Spirit have blessed us with.
  • The yellow arcs represents the love and forgiveness of the risen Christ which will surround and embrace Australia in our preparations for, during, and forever after World Youth Day Sydney 2008.
  • The circular appearance of the badge reminds us of the Bread of Life and the importance of the Eucharist - the Body of Christ - in our Catholic faith.
  • The Military Diocese of Australia's World Youth Day badge is only to be used with the written approval from the Military Ordinariate of Australia.

     

     

     


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