Processions are back for 2026

Something stirred in Sydney in 2025. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP called it one of the signs of a “second spring of faith,” as nearly 30,000 Catholics took to the streets across the Archdiocese’s major processions.

This year, the Archdiocese is building on that momentum, and it begins on March 22 with the Day of the Unborn – The Solemnity of the Annunciation Procession.

It is the first of three major processions in 2026. The Our Lady of Fatima Procession follows on 16 May, and the Walk with Christ Procession closes the year on 22 November.

Together, they represent something larger than three events on a calendar; they are an Archdiocese proudly professing its faith in public and preparing its people for one of the most significant gatherings in modern Catholic history – the International Eucharistic Congress, Eucharist28, which is coming to Sydney in 2028.

“We love this powerful chance to publicly proclaim your faith with thousands of others,” says Pamela LaHood, a family educator from St Jerome’s parish in Punchbowl, who will attend the Day of the Unborn Procession on 22 March with her husband and two teenage daughters. “It gives us a beautiful testimony that we are part of one big body of Christ, that we can share our faith and our values with the whole world.”

It is a day that invites the faithful to reflect on the dignity of every unborn life, and to hold in prayer all those whose lives have been lost to abortion.

For Pamela, the meaning is both theological and personal.

“I think it’s very important for families to share with their children the importance and value of the dignity of human life. It’s a beautiful witness; you feel that you’re together, fighting for the most vulnerable in our community,” she says.

That same conviction is drawing families from across Sydney. Bernadette Bassil from Kingsgrove is attending with several families from her son Raphael’s school, Hartford College in Daceyville, spurred on by its principal, Ian Mejia, who put out a call to the school community.

“We all decided that we need to go, because we are supporters of family and life,” Bernadette says.

“When we come together, it’s just much more powerful. It’s all about the power of prayer and community.”

Her 12-year-old daughter Theresa puts it with disarming clarity: “It’s so important for us to gather together and to show the importance of family and show Sydney that we have love.”

The day begins with a solemn choral Mass at 10.30am at St Mary’s Cathedral. Those unable to attend the Mass are warmly invited to gather at the cathedral forecourt at noon to join the procession.

Pamela has attended the Walk with Christ and Fatima processions, and each time, she returns changed.

“By walking together, we preach without speaking. The large number of people who attend are a powerful witness to the faith, in a city that doesn’t always embrace Catholic values.”

As Sydney prepares to welcome the world for Eucharist28, each procession this year is a step in that direction, a community learning to walk together, literally and spiritually, before the eyes of the city.

In reflecting on last year’s processions, Auxiliary Bishop Richard Umbers reflected: “Something curious just took place in the streets around here, as we were traveling: I’m sure people were asking, who are this crowd? What are they doing? What’s that, the priest is carrying?

“We have walked with you Jesus around our neighbourhood. We know that you are not a symbol, not even holy bread. You are God, hidden and adored.

“We’ve taken our first steps towards a congress dedicated to the Eucharist. We will continue to walk, to create beautiful memories that will last a generation, of our time with you. Future times bring future challenges for future generations, but for us, Jesus, this is our time. This is our chance for sainthood. For your imitation.”

The streets are waiting. The Day of the Unborn – The Solemnity of the Anunciation Procession takes place on 22 March, St Mary’s Cathedral, at 10.30am.

All are welcome. More information at https://www.sydneycatholic.org/about-us/archdiocesan-events/day-of-the-unborn-child/