Taking Jesus to the streets of Hobart

By Veronika Cox

A public procession celebrating the presence of Christ in the Eucharist will return to the streets of Hobart this month.

The Walk with Christ take place on Sunday 19 June, marking the Feast of Corpus Christi, formally known as the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Director of the Office of Youth Evangelisation, Sam Clear, said the procession had a special focus on Christ, Prince of Peace, present in the Eucharist.

“On the Feast of Corpus Christi the whole Church publicly confesses Christ’s words, ‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world (Jn 6:51)’,” he said.

Everyone is invited to process with Christ.

“Much like Jesus’ walk up Calvary, some knew Him well, and others just happened to be passing by,” Mr Clear explained.

“In Acts, people would hope just for the shadow of St Peter to fall on them for healing, and even more so, we have this wonderful gift of Jesus present in the Eucharist passing in front of many onlookers.

“It is a witness of faith to many in a physical sense, but we should never underestimate the movement of the Holy Spirit in those who encounter Jesus along the way.”

Eucharistic processions have been taking place since 1264AD – “although not for quite so long in Hobart,” Mr Clear said.

The walk commences at 1pm in St Joseph’s Church, before processing with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament along Harrington Street to St Mary’s Cathedral.

A liturgy focused on adoration and praise will be held at the Cathedral, concluding at 3pm.

The walk takes place under police escort, as several hundred Catholic faithful prayerfully walk with Christ, taking Christ to the streets.

Anyone wishing to ‘Walk with Christ’ is asked to register their attendance. Walk with Christ is a COVID-safe event.