2023 CHRISTUS REX PILGRIMAGE
Apilgrimageinthe Catholictraditionisa journeytoaholyplaceto venerateit,toaskforaid, andtodopenance.
A pilgrimage in the Catholic tradition is a journey to a holy place to venerate it, to ask for aid, and to do penance. The Christus Rex Pilgrimage honours Christ the King and commemorates His feast on the day originally instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quas Primas.
‘TheFeastoftheKingshipofOurLordJesusChrist[is] tobeobservedyearlythroughoutthewholeworldon thelastSundayofthemonthofOctober’
Piux XI, Quas PrimasThe spiritual benefits of the Christus Rex Pilgrimage are bountiful, not just to the Pilgrims, but to the whole of society. While walking along the route, the Pilgrims engage in prayer and song, as well as personal reflection and mediation
2023 marks the 31st celebration of the Christus
Rex Pilgrimage in Australia
The event takes place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October 2023
Pilgrims walk approximately 90km - from Ballarat to Bendigo
Daily Masses are celebrated using the 1962 Missal
Meals, accommodation, luggage transport, hydration and toilet facilities are provided to register participants
Event concludes with the Solemn Mass of Christ the King celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo
The Christus Rex Pilgrimage is conducted by the Christus Rex Society Inc - an incorporated association in Victoria, Australia.
The Society's committee and members are volunteers from around Australia and New Zealand. Our volunteers are also pilgrims - but instead of just walking, they are devoting their time and skills throughout the year, and also on the Pilgrimage weekend to help others to walk and give glory to the Christ the King
The Society is a non-profit organisation - it has no paid staff or physical office. All funds raised by the Society are used for the purposes of facilitating the Pilgrimage.
If you are interested in joining the Society or would like to learn more, please contact us by phone or email.
Registrations for the 2023 Pilgrimage open on Pentecost Sunday, 10am on 28 May 2023.
Late fees will apply after 30 September and registrations close on Sunday 25 October 2023
No refunds are able to be provided after 30 September unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Children (under 18) must not register themselves. A parent/legal guardian of the child must complete the registration form on the child's behalf. The parent must ensure that the child is supervised by an adult for the duration of the Pilgrimage.
There is limited space for sleeping in the Community Halls. Please register as soon as possible to reserve your space.
Students (18-25 years)
Children (0-5 years)
Children (6-12 years)
Children (13-17 years)
The 25% discount for families is available by using code 'FAM2023' on the checkout page.
If you are only attending for part of the Pilgrimage (ie arriving later than Friday 8:00am) please contact the Society for details and option for registrations.
For those catching the private coach from Bendigo to the check-in desk in Ballarat on Thursday, you are required to book a seat at $30.00 per seat.
Merchandise
Merchandise is available for purchase on the website and at the check-in desk. Please note that merchandise will be available for collection on the Pilgrimage and will not be posted out in advance,
Just like you should prepare yourself physically for the walk, you should also prepare yourself spiritually for the Pilgrimage. Preparing yourself spiritually for the Pilgrimage does not need to be a difficult and complicated task.
Some ways to prepare spiritually might include:
Spending a little more time in daily prayer or Eucharistic adoration
Reading the spiritual reflections available on the website
Praying the novena to Christ the King (available on the website)
Making a list of specific intentions in the lead-up to the Pilgrimage
Reading 'Quas Primas' - the encyclical instituting the Feast of Christ the King
Familiarising yourself with the 1962 Roman Missal - which is used at all of the Pilgrimage Masses
This Information Booklet is put together by volunteers, Please seek guidance from your spiritual director in relation to any spiritual preparation.
“Everyathleteexercisesself-controlinallthings. Buttheydoittoreceiveaperishablewreath,butwean imperishable.”1 Corinthians 9:25
The Pilgrimage is 90 km in length. The Pilgrims walk around 30 km per day. Each day is divided into four walking sessions of approximately two to three hours in length, punctuated by short breaks for lunch, and morning and afternoon teas. Pilgrims are expected to maintain a steady but relaxed walking pace.
Unsurprisingly, many of the minor injuries that are experienced by Pilgrims relate to fatigue and stress to the feet and ankles. St John’s Ambulance officers travel with the Pilgrims and provide first aid if needed.
Some ways to prepare physically might include:
Ensuring that you have supportive shoes which are worn in
Check your day pack is an appropriate size for everything you may need and comfortable to carry for long periods of time
Ensure that you have protective gear (such as a hat, and lightweight rain coat) which are fit for purpose
Blisters are one of the most common injuries on Pilgrimage. Make sure that you are not wearing brand new shoes for the first time on Pilgrimage and that they are well worn in and comfortable. Wearing 2 pairs of thick socks and washing your feet each night will also help prevent blisters.
Walking in clothes that don't fit properly, that are dirty or dusty, or which are damp may cause unpleasant chafing. We recommend that you wear active or exercise clothing underneath other tracksuit or loose fitting clothing. Please remember to dress modestly.
You should make sure that you reapply sunscreen several times throughout the day, regardless of the weather, and always wear a hat. Even on cloudy days you may get sunburnt without realising
People often forget to stay hydrated on Pilgrimage, especially if the weather is cold Make sure you carry a drink bottle and have a drink at each rest stop.
There are support vehicles and medical volunteers who travel with the Pilgrims for the duration of the event. If you are feeling tired, worn-out, or overwhelmed, make sure you take a break.
Female pilgrims and families (parents with children including boys under the age of 12) will be staying in the Ballarat’s St Patrick’s Cathedral Halls (3 Lyons St South, Ballarat Central).
The main hall where registrations take place will be reserved for women only, and the smaller hall behind will be for parents (both male and female) with children. You’ll need a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat and pillow.
Please note that space can be limited in the hall, so pack light and avoid bulky inflatable mattresses Unfortunately the family hall is very limited in size and once it sells out, children will be required to sleep with one parent in either the women ’ s or men ’ s halls
Men(over12years)
Male pilgrims will be staying at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute (117 Sturt Street, Ballarat). Make sure you check-in at the Cathedral hall first, before going to the Mechanics’ Institute.
Entry to the Mechanics’ Institute will only be permitted to those with a pilgrim ID issued at the check-in desk.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
For the Friday and Saturday evenings at Smeaton and Newstead, there are halls provided for women and children to sleep.
Please keep in mind that there will be a lot of people in the halls and you will need to be considerate of young children sleeping and extra space needed for larger families when you are setting up. You will need to bring your own bedding and pillows.
Due to large numbers of registrations in recent years, these halls often sell out. We encourage you to register early if you would like to book a place in the hall
All pilgrims are encouraged to camp if they wish and camping fields are located across the road from the halls on both Friday and Saturday nights. You will be directed to the camping sites upon arrival.
Please do not set up prior to the pilgrims arriving at the evening sites as these have changed from previous years.
All meals on the Pilgrimage are included in your registration fee and prepared by our team of generous volunteers.
The menu consists of a variety of simple but plentiful and nutritious meals to ensure that pilgrims have the energy they need to complete the walking each day.
Friday
Breakfast: Porridge, fruit, assorted cereal, bread and spreads
Teas: Fruit and muesli bars
Lunch: assorted gourmet sandwiches and biscuits
Dinner: Vegetarian pasta, curry, rice and salad
Saturday
Breakfast: Porridge, fruit, assorted cereal, bread and spreads
Teas: Fruit and muesli bars
Lunch: Paella with chorizo and chicken
Dinner: BBQ with sausages, meat patties, salad and potatoes
Breakfast: bacon and eggs, fruit, assorted cereal, bread and spreads
Morning Tea: Fruit and muesli bars
Lunch: sausage sandwiches and salads
Following the conclusion of the Mass on Sunday afternoon, all pilgrims are invited to a celebratory dinner at the Queens Arms Hotel, Bendigo - commencing at 6:30pm. Make sure you order your meal as soon as you arrive as the kitchen will be busy and closes at 9:00pm.
For those who stay overnight in Bendigo on Sunday, there is a farewell buffet breakfast, again at the Queens Arms Hotel on Monday morning. The buffet will be open from 9:00am to 11:00am.
Check-in for the Pilgrimage takes place from 3:00pm to 10:30pm on Thursday 26th October 2023 at St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat,
If you are driving to Pilgrimage, you need to park at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo and catch our private coach back to the check in desk in Ballarat. This way your car will be there for you in Bendigo at the conclusion of the Pilgrimage.
You cannot leave your vehicle at Ballarat over the Pilgrimage. There is no transport from Bendigo back to Ballarat at the end of the Pilgrimage. Unauthorised personal vehicles are not permitted on the Pilgrimage for safety reasons
For details on the coach meeting place, timeline and to book ticket, please visit our website.
The Christus Rex Society provides a courtesy shuttle from the Ballarat station to the Check-In Desk. Please fill out the booking form online so that we know when you will be arriving and our shuttle bus will be there waiting for you at the station.
If you are flying into Melbourne, there is an airport shuttle bus which runs directly from Tullamarine Airport to Ballarat station.
If you are joining after the Pilgrims have departed Ballarat Cathedral on Friday at 8:00am, please check our website for arrival times and locations.
Friday evening, or Saturday before 7:00 am: Smeaton Bowling
Club, 3514 Creswick-Newstead Road, Smeaton
Saturday between 11:00am-1:45pm: Campbelltown Community
Hall, 15 Williams St, Campbelltown
Saturday evening, or Sunday morning before 6:30am: Newstead
Community Centre, 9 Lyons St, Newstead
Sunday between 9:00am-10:00am: Lockwood South Recreation
Reserve, Pearse Drive, Lockwood South
Sunday between 11:30am-1:00pm: Rotary Gateway Park, 22A
High St, Kangaroo Flat
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to these locations It is usually best to have a friend or relative drop you off, rather than leaving your car there. There are also no convenient public transport options servicing these locations The Christus Rex Society cannot pick-up your car from these locations and drive it to Bendigo for you, or drop you back after the Pilgrimage to pick up your car
Friday
Solemn Mass of Saints Simon and Jude
Begins at 6:00am at St Patrick's Cathedral Ballarat
Followed by the Blessing of Pilgrims before departure
Saturday
Solemn Mass of
Begins at 11:30am (depending on pilgrim's arrival) at Campbelltown (15 Williams St, Campbelltown)
Sunday
Solemn Mass of Christ the King
Pilgrims arrive at Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo at roughly 3:00pm where there is a procession and prayers on the steps Mass takes place immediately following the prayers outside
Please note that Masses on before and after the Pilgrimage (Thursday evening and Monday morning) will be confirmed at a later date.
Parents with children are very welcome on Pilgrimage. Please be aware that parts of the route are not accessible for prams. Children’s Chapter is available for most parts of the Pilgrimage (except the first leg leaving Ballarat, and final leg arriving in Bendigo). Support vehicles will be available for any small children who cannot walk the whole way. Please note that car seats are not provided for infants and you must bring your own vehicle if you are transporting infants.
Children’s Chapter involves games and activities such as craft, sport, storytelling and catechesis. It is aimed for 5 - 12 year olds. Children under 5 are also welcome, but must attend with a parent
All children (under the age of 18) are encouraged to attend with a parent. If you cannot attend the Pilgrimage with your child, you must ensure that an adult is directly supervising the child at all times. The Christus Rex Society is not responsible for arranging general supervision of children. The Pilgrimage is not suitable for unsupervised children.
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Possibly the largest gathering of choristers in sacred polyphony and Gregorian chant in Australia every year Join the Pilgrimage choir to be a part of it and lend your voice, no matter your experience where you will be in the very talented and capable hands of the Pilgrimage Choir Master!
If you're interested in joining the choir, get in touch in advance so that you can be sent the music to learn in advance and stay up to date with any rehearsals or specific information you might need. Join the Choir
The Christus Rex Pilgrimage is entirely run by the efforts of volunteers. A pilgrimage cannot run itself without assistance – spare some time out of your walking and extend a hand of charity to help with the smooth running of pilgrimage.
There are many opportunities for those who are interested in helping out - before, during and after the event, with jobs such as:
Administration and registrations
Setting up for meals
Catering and food service
Loading and unloading of luggage
Luggage truck drivers
Support vehicle team
Venues set up
Cleaning and pack up
Safety car drivers
Walking marshals
Children's Chapter activities
Check in desk
Sacristy
Serving at Masses
Choir
On-road music leaders
Merchandise sales
If you're able to assist with the running of the Pilgrimage, in either the lead up or on the day, please get in contact by phone or email.
The Christus Rex Society provides trucks to transport luggage between the overnight stops. Any items you require throughout the day must be carried by you.
Please ensure that you are dressed appropriately for Mass and receiving the sacraments each day as there will not be an opportunity to change before Mass. Temperatures can be very cold at night and very hot during the day.
Below is a general guide on what to bring. Please see the website for a more detailed list.
Waterbottle (available for purchase)
Pilgrim's Primer (available for purchase)
Raincoat of waterproof jacket
Warm layers in case of cold weather
Broad brimmed hat
Sunscreen
Personal first aid (blister packs, chafing cream, panadol)
Rosary and items you may require for Mass
OvernightBag
Sleeping bag
Worn in walking shoes
Walking clothes for 3 days
Warm overnight clothes (to sleep in)
Towel
Toiletries
Tent
Waterproof tarp or mat for under tent
Please remember that the trucks with overnight luggage will be full and locked throughout the day Once your bag is loaded, you will not be able to access the trucks until you arrive at the evening stop.
Almighty and merciful God, you break the power of evil and make all things new in your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the universe.
May all in heaven and earth acclaim your glory and never cease to praise you.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen.
Recite One Our Father, One Hail Mary and One Glory Be per day followed by the Novena Prayer:
O Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations.
We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things.
Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth. Guard us we pray Most Faithful One
Protect us from our enemies and from Your Just Judgment
Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against you.
Jesus, You are a King of Mercy.
We have deserved Your Just Judgment
Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us. We trust in Your Great Mercy.
O most awe-inspiring King, we bow before You and pray; May Your Reign, Your Kingdom, be recognized on earth. Amen.
