If an army marches to a beat, then the 20,000 strong Walk with Christ brigade will march to the divine tempo set by the talented performers at the Corpus Christi festival event before the 22 June procession begins.
With the stage set and the date fast approaching, The Catholic Weekly speaks to the wide array of performers preparing to ready the hearts of those gathering for the biggest Eucharistic procession in Australia.
Just two years ago, Daniel Skinner was performing for intimate gatherings of 50 to 60 people in pubs and clubs, honing his craft in small venues and parish halls.
But at last year’s Walk with Christ, the young musician, who converted to Catholicism in 2020, faced the daunting prospect of performing before nearly 15,000 faithful in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Instead of the anticipated nervousness, it was an overwhelming sense of calm and peace that washed over him, he said.
“I just felt peace, because of this incredible solidarity,” Skinner explained. “Being surrounded by thousands of Catholics proudly professing their faith together gave me a strength I didn’t know I had. It wasn’t about me anymore—it was about being part of something much greater.”
For this year’s procession, Daniel, who sings a combination of popular and praise and worship songs, has been preparing for his return with renewed enthusiasm.
“I want to move people and help them be more receptive to God’s grace, to soften their hearts to receive the weight of what’s about to happen, which is walking with our Lord in the Eucharist,” he said.
Ronan Reilly, director of the Jubilate Deo program, will be showcasing the rich treasury of Catholic sacred music to create “an atmosphere of reverence, unity, love.”
He explains that music at the Walk with Christ serves a crucial purpose. “We set the soundscape for that just before our Lord arrives in the public square. It’s the music that proclaims us for heaven, or in a sense, it’s like opening a window into heaven,” he said.
Invited by Bishop Richard Umbers to take part three years ago, this year’s choir is made up of young adults and students from 12 schools across Sydney who are learning Gregorian chant from Reilly and his team.
“This is Christ’s music,” he explained. “It’s for his praise. It’s for his worship,” said Reilly. “The sound of children singing sacred music with their beautiful voices gives people goose bumps, this is sacred music and it’s exclusive in its use and it edifies and lifts those in the audience,” he said.
Katelyn Del Rosario, 24, is preparing for her debut performance at the Walk with Christ event, where she’ll be singing with her brother, Clemens, 28.
“I’m really excited about it, and not nervous at all, as this isn’t about us. This is about bringing our best talents and creativity for the Lord,” she said.
She and her family are brimming with pride at the thought of watching the siblings perform at the event.
“As Catholics you can forget how big the church here is in Australia. So, to be able to have an event where everyone’s gathered all in one place, to be with our Lord is just such a great initiative. And very exciting,” she said.
With final rehearsals underway, Ronan encourages Catholics across Sydney to enjoy a taste of “the music of heaven” before they march with their fellow faithful.
“I would encourage everyone to come to the Walk with Christ, to interact with the graces and the beauty that’s taking place there. Joining with your voice, in that experience, is very powerful.”
The festival begins at 1pm in Martin Place, followed by the Walk with Christ Eucharistic procession from 2.30pm on Sunday, 22 June.
For more coverage on Walk with Christ 2025.