Record crowds celebrated the largest “Walk With Christ” Australian initiative since the COVID-19 pandemic as more than 15,000 Catholics joined the procession through the streets of Sydney for the feast of Corpus Christi.
Speaking with joy at the public witness, Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney said the event was an encouraging display of devotion as Australia aspires to host the 2028 International Eucharist Congress, which “we devoutly hope Pope Francis will grant us.” He told the faithful: “You have just proclaimed to our city the gift of redemption in Christ Jesus. Not through robust argument, clever rhetoric or special effects, but simply by ‘Walking With Christ’ whom you love.”
Auxiliary Bishop Richard Umbers of Sydney said he was proud today the Sydney faithful showed the world why the Australian Plenary Council has asked for the opportunity to host the congress. “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,” said the bishop, who is vicar for Evangelization.
The director of the Sydney Center for Evangelization, Daniel Ang, pointed out that the public witness was not just for the faithful, but an opportunity to bring the joy of Christ to the people of Sydney. He said: “Such processions are a leaven in our largely disenchanted world.”