Procession through the streets of Sydney a sign of Faith

By Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese

15/6/2006

Cardinal George Pell will lead Catholics from across Sydney on a march through the streets on Sunday 18 June 2006 as a sign of faith in Jesus Christ. The theme for this year’s procession is “Walk with Christ”.

The march will take place on the Feast of Corpus Christi (Body and Blood of Christ) which is the traditional time for Christians to publicly proclaim their faith and trust in God by taking Christ into the streets of the community; it is a very human expression of a deeply held belief. Similar processions will be held by Catholic communities across the world.

In Sydney, the procession will start from St Patrick's Church Hill (20 Grosvenor St) at 2.30pm, travel along Hunter and Macquarie Streets and end at St Mary’s Cathedral (approximately 4.00pm). Hymns and prayers will unite those in pilgrimage, broadcast on 90.9FM.

Following the success of last year’s march marking the end of the Year of the Eucharist, in which over 10,000 people participated, Cardinal Pell announced that this procession will be held annually in the lead-up to World Youth Day 2008. Many of the young people who have previously been to a world youth day will join in the march.

Bishop Julian Porteous, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, says “As Catholics, we want to take Jesus Christ into the streets of Sydney and share with others the faith that is important to us, not just because it is life-giving, but because it is too significant to keep to ourselves. It is not uncommon for civic groups and political organisations to publicly gather and demonstrate their beliefs about issues that are important to them.

“Just as Sunday evening football fans will gather to demonstrate their support for the Socceroos in the Brazil v Australia match, singing and chanting in the spirit of the game, so Catholics throughout Sydney will gather on Sunday afternoon to celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ, carrying Him through the streets in the Blessed Sacrament and singing in His honour”.

The international nature of the Walk with Christ march will be evident in the significant numbers of Eastern rite Catholics – Maronites and Melkites – and ethnic communities who will be carrying banners and wearing cultural dress.  Among the various communities represented will be:

• Croatian Community
• Korean Community
• Chinese Community
• Tongan Community
• Vietnamese Community

The procession will culminate at St Mary’s Cathedral with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Solemn Benediction.