Monica Smit

Monica Smit

Oct 30, 2019
2 min

Christus Rex Pilgrimage 2019 - Photos and more

Of the several pilgrimages I’ve been privileged to attend, the largest one is by far the Christus Rex, which is approximately 90 km from ...

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Monica Smit

Aug 23, 2019
4 min

Pilgrimages change lives.

I’ve done 6 pilgrimages and I’m about to embark on my 7th in Denver. Every pilgrimage was as difficult as it was magical. If you only rea...

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2019 Christus Rex Pilgrimage photo album;

Our first mass on Friday Morning at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Ballarat

Paul Brazier, the main organiser, giving us our first of many intructions.

It's an age-old tradition for pilgrims to receive a pre-pilgrimage blessing prostrated next to their bags and staffs.

Our first few steps...the easy ones :-)

There's alwyas a smile to be found...even when carrying heavy flags.

The Australian bush is a great setting for a pilgrimage.

Some areas have beautiful flowers to look at.

Beautiful tree-lined street.

It's so lovely to see young families joining in.

The Vatican Flag waving magestically in the wind.

If you needed it, there'd always be someone to support you.

Shadows of limping pilgrims fill the streets.

This bridge signals the end of the first day. It might not be evident, but we are all leeping with joy inside.

The first thing we do on arrival is the Angelus.

An adoration tent is set up for pilgrims to visit. It was full all evening.

In the morning, we have Benidiction in the cold morning mist.

Sore knees? aching legs? Great, now kneel on the stones. Pilgrims are tough.

Paul Brazier managing over 500 pilgrims and his todler daughter. What a champ!

First few steps of the second day. It's going to be a hard but edifying journey.

I took these for you to try and find yourselves :-)

I took these for you to try and find yourselves :-)

I took these for you to try and find yourselves :-)

I took these for you to try and find yourselves :-)

I took these for you to try and find yourselves :-)

Families and friends bond so much on this pilgrimage.

A few moments of rest. Most pilgrims never complain, they just offer it all up and keep going. It's inspiring.

'It takes a village to bring up a child'. I love that everyone keeps an eye on the children. They are safe and well-entertained.

Pilgrims absorbing every word during Father's morning tea sermonette.

Break times are such a relief. A few moments off your feet is so satisfying.

The children have a great time. They make new friends and learn about resilience and determination.

Looks like she's in the middle of a great story. Even people in the background are smiling.

Stretching is a serious business.

Love and support is easy to see everywhere you look.

I had to throw in a few artsy ones :-)

Together we can achieve so much. The second morning was VERY COLD and rainy. The wind is howling through us.

Friends huddling together to keep warm.

Father Sypher inspiring us all with a mid morning sermonette.

With grey clouds looming, the pilgrims still managed to concentrate on Father's words of wisdom.

Fr Rowe is an exceptional example. He feeds us spiritually with song and prayer throughout the pilgrimage.

Don't they look cold? These helpers kept us hydrated and safe. Thank you.

As a collective, we are such a strong force. Individuallly, we are all limping and hurting.

Arriving at our second day lunch stop. Relief is felt by all.

Preparing for the best outdoor mass ever!

A shrine to Our Lady was set up.

A grand entrance.

Just because we're in the bush, doesn't mean we have to compromise anything!

I am posting these so mothers and families can spot their cons :-)

I am posting these so mothers and families can spot their cons :-)

I am posting these so mothers and families can spot their cons :-)

Father Mccaffrey, Father Sypher and Father Withoos.