Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By George Al-Akiki, OSV News

SYDNEY — Record crowds celebrated the largest "Walk With Christ" initiative in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic as more than 15,000 Catholics joined the procession through Sydney for the feast of Corpus Christi.

Speaking at the event on June 2, Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney described it as an encouraging display of devotion as Australia aims to host the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress. “Today, my dear friends, you have done as the council asked and helped prepare this city and country for that event we devoutly hope Pope Francis will grant us in 2028,” he said, referring to the Australian Plenary Council.

Auxiliary Bishop Richard Umbers of Sydney expressed pride in the public demonstration of faith. “It’s no secret that Australia aspires to host an International Eucharistic Congress, and such a public display of faith certainly adds credibility to our bid,” he stated. As Sydney's vicar for evangelization, Bishop Umbers indicated plans for more future processions. “Momentum is building for an enlivened Eucharistic culture in Sydney. The faithful have always been present; they have just been longing for an outlet to proudly declare their love of Christ.”

The procession began with pre-procession festivities in Martin Place featuring music and parish gatherings before Father Roberto Keryakos from St. Mary’s Cathedral addressed attendees. “Our Catholic faith is more beautiful than the world. Jesus Christ is more beautiful than anyone else, and he calls you and I to be holy,” Father Karyakos said.

Led by Archbishop Fisher, clergy processed through George Street with banners from schools and parishes visible above participants who included confused bystanders and eager onlookers recording the event. Many stopped reverently at the sight of the monstrance.

Daniel Ang, director of the Sydney Center for Evangelization, highlighted that such public witness events are also meant to bring joy to all people in Sydney. “Such processions are a leaven in our largely disenchanted world," Ang told The Catholic Weekly.

Participants from diverse backgrounds including Samoan, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Portuguese, Croatian, and Latin American communities arrived near Hyde Park where church bells signaled both the beginning and end of the procession at St. Mary’s Cathedral with adoration, Gospel reading, and benediction.

Archbishop Fisher delivered a brief exhortation on communion with both God and each other: “Today...you have very publicly acknowledged God...witnessed hope and unity...proclaimed to our city the gift of redemption in Christ Jesus.” He continued emphasizing that participants exercised their priestly power as baptized individuals calling down God's Spirit upon Sydney.

“You proclaimed that Christ lives in our city...He has given us his all...so no one would be left behind,” concluded Archbishop Fisher urging attendees to reciprocate this divine offering.