Faith on display at Walk with Christ procession

By Heather Excell

Around 375 Catholics from across Tasmania gathered in Hobart on Sunday 7 June to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi with the annual Walk with Christ Eucharistic Procession.

The procession began at St Joseph’s Church and proceeded down Harrington St, led by Archbishop Tony Ireland and priests of the Archdiocese who each carried the Blessed Sacrament for a section of the walk. The procession then concluded with Benediction at St Mary’s Cathedral.

This year’s feast carried added significance as Archbishop Tony’s first Walk with Christ event as Archbishop of Hobart, coinciding with the release of his first pastoral letter, ‘Pilgrims of the Eucharist: Towards the International Eucharistic Congress Sydney 2028’.

In his homily during Mass for the Feast, Archbishop Tony spoke of Corpus Christi as being a “feast of remembrance” in an age of frantic activity and constant distraction, with the day reminding us that “Christ died for us, is risen for us, and remains with us”.

He went on to explain how the Eucharist is not merely a symbol or reminder of Christ’s presence, but Christ himself.

“The Eucharist is Christ’s final will and testament of love. It is not simply a symbol of his presence. It is his presence,” he said.

“That is why we adore. That is why we kneel. That is why the Church has spent two thousand years building churches, composing hymns, lighting candles and offering incense before the Blessed Sacrament. Not because bread is holy. But because Christ is here.”

He continued to emphasise the communal dimension of the Eucharist, noting that it unites believers with Christ and with one another.

“It teaches us that faith is never a private possession. It teaches us that the Church is not a collection of isolated individuals but a family gathered around the table of the Lord,” he said.

“And from this altar we are sent out. The Eucharist is not an escape from the world. It is a preparation for mission.”

Huon Valley parishioner, Elke Vidler, felt that the procession was a powerful expression of that unity.

“I love the unity of everyone coming together, walking together and singing together. I think the public witness of that is really important,” she said. “The world is really hurting. People are lost, and searching for something that’s going to give them hope. And of course, Christ is that hope.”

She also noticed many passers-by stopping to watch the procession.

“I’ve never noticed so many people stopping, smiling, taking photos and taking videos,” she said. “There was a joy that was touching their hearts today.”

Cathedral parishioner, Jack MacKenzie, felt grateful for the opportunity to publicly witness to his faith.

“It was beautiful and I felt very proud and grateful for my Catholic faith,” he said. “As faith becomes more and more privatised, this is such an important way to bring our faith out into the street so that people can see it and maybe be moved by what they see.”

For Julie Borger of the Hobart parish, the procession was both a sacred experience and an opportunity to share her faith publicly.

“I found it a very sacred and holy place. It was a joy to be part of the Body of Christ,” she said.

“I think we should grab every opportunity to let people know that God is our King, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. If we need to go to the streets to proclaim that, then let’s do so!”