WEARY, blistered Brisbane Catholics trekked from Ballarat to Bendigo in Victoria last weekend in extreme heat on the annual Christus Rex pilgrimage.
The three day, 90km journey challenged the bodies, minds, hearts and spirits of the 200 Australian and international pilgrims who walked in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s passion.
A spokeswoman said for many it was a physical way to witness the pilgrim journey towards Jesus Christ.
“‘Offer it up’ became the common catchphrase for the fatigued and suffering pilgrims,” she said.
“Pilgrims received a blessing at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat, on October 25 before heading off under the cover of prayer, song and reflection.”
A “small army of volunteers” kept pilgrims nourished, while priests sustained every spiritual need with confession, preaching and Mass.
All 200 pilgrims were welcomed into Bendigo on October 27 with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Elliot, auxiliary bishop for Melbourne.
