Nearly 800 Catholics from across Sydney gathered on Thursday evening for a Corpus Christi procession from Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, in a powerful public witness of faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The evening began with Mass in the Maronite liturgy attended by close to 1,000 worshippers who participated “with great reverence and devotion”, according to Fr Tom Green, one of the organisers and Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady Queen of the Family in Blacktown.
The evening began with Mass in the Maronite liturgy with clergy from both the Maronite and Roman Catholic traditions concelebrating. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
But according to Fr Tom, the highlight was the 90-minute Eucharistic procession along the Parramatta River, under the dark, but clear sky.
“Seeing hundreds of people snaking alongside the river singing praises to the Eucharistic Lord leading them was really something to behold.”
“People were watching from their apartment buildings as the procession slowly meandered alongside the river, and some were even prompted to join the procession upon hearing it pass by as the sound of our praises filled the neighbouring streets,” he said.
Fr Peter Williams AM VG, delivering his homily. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Approximately 15 clergy joined the faithful including Fr Danny Nouh, Dean of Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral, Fr Peter Williams AM, Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta and Fr Robert Riedling, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta. Clergy from both the Maronite and Roman Catholic traditions were represented, reflecting the strong collaboration between the two communities.
In his homily, Fr Peter Williams spoke about the witness of St Tarcisius, the third-century martyr who died protecting the Eucharist from desecration. He encouraged participants to recognise that their own public witness in the Corpus Christi procession reflected the same devotion and love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The procession included singing and praying the rosary in both Maronite and Roman traditions, until they reached St Patrick’s Cathedral, greeted by many who were unable to walk, but keen to be part of the evening.
As the first Corpus Christi procession in Parramatta since before the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers approached the event with a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. What unfolded was a powerful expression of faith, unity and prayer that exceeded expectations.
One lady, speaking on behalf of a group of family and friends, said that her group were hesitant to attend, but were so grateful they did. “We didn’t realise it, but it was exactly what we needed,” she said.
The procession commenced following Mass at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral, Harris Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Ola a parishioner from St Patrick’s Cathedral said, “the Corpus Christi procession was deeply moving, and I felt overwhelmed with love for the Blessed Sacrament.”
“Seeing so many people all around Sydney come together to adore and walk with our Lord was a profound reminder of Jesus Christ’s presence in the Holy Eucharist.
“The procession was a peaceful but powerful proclamation of our Catholic faith, and I felt honoured to be able to participate,” she said.
Fr John Nguyen OFM Cap, Assistant Parish Priest at The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Tom was grateful that not only was there a strong attendance, but that the procession, liturgy and adoration was all focused on Christ.
“It was wonderful to have a whole evening spent with Jesus at the centre,” he said.
“Everything revolved around Him. The faith and love of hundreds for Jesus was palpable and it was evident that it was this love that united us.”
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The overwhelmingly positive response from participants has generated enthusiasm for the procession to become a regular annual event, bringing together Catholics from across Western Sydney in a shared expression of Eucharistic faith and devotion.
According to Fr Peter Williams, this is the intention.
“The strong participation in this Corpus Christi procession demonstrates that the faithful are eager to reclaim this beautiful tradition of publicly accompanying Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
“When we bring Christ from our churches into the streets, we proclaim that He is not confined to our sacred spaces but walks with His people. Such processions renew our commitment to prayer, deepen our Eucharistic devotion, and offer a powerful witness to the Gospel in the public square,” he said.
The faithful gathered in St Patrick Cathedral’s forecourt for adoration. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The Corpus Christi procession is an important moment of prayer and formation in the lead up to the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028.
It is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan objective to be a Church renewed in Prayer and Spirit, and the Diocesan priority of Prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery on Flickr or below.
