On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi echoed across the nation as streets, churches, and hearts were filled with the living presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. For the Mothers Who Pray for Their Children movement, it was a day of grace, unity, and profound encounter. From Melbourne to Sydney—and in many smaller parishes across Australia—our mothers walked, prayed, and rejoiced, proclaiming with their lives that Jesus is truly present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
In Melbourne, the day began with a beautiful Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, where thousands gathered under the arching ceilings and stained glass in awe and reverence. From parishes across the Archdiocese, pilgrims streamed in—among them, many of our mothers, wearing their movement shirts with love, clutching rosaries, holding banners, and walking hand in hand with their children.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the newly appointed Archbishop of Hobart, Bishop Antony Ireland, started the Eucharistic procession from the steps of St Patrick's Cathedral. The faithful then followed on through the city streets in a powerful public procession, where Monsignor Stuart Hall took over holding the monstrance through the Melbourne CBD. Clouds of incense rose heavenward as our Lord passed through Flinders Street, accompanied by sacred hymns and reverent silence. It was not just a walk—it was a pilgrimage of hearts.
An estimated 4,000 faithful joined the 2km procession to Federation Square, where benediction was offered in a moving conclusion. There, our mothers stood with their children, holding high the blue flag of the movement—a silent but powerful symbol that prayer is alive, motherhood is holy, and family is worth defending.
In Sydney, the atmosphere was equally electrifying. A staggering 20,000 faithful processed through the city’s CBD in what has been called one of the largest Corpus Christi processions in Australian history. Led by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, the faithful walked from Martin Place to St Mary’s Cathedral, adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament every step of the way. The atmosphere was one of unity, strength, and overflowing joy. Young and old, clergy and laity, consecrated and lay—all bore witness to the Real Presence.
In beautiful harmony with the grand processions of Melbourne and Sydney, many smaller parishes around the country also held their own Corpus Christi processions, bringing the Eucharistic Lord to the streets of towns and communities far from the city lights. Some of our mothers attended these local processions, bearing the same fire of faith and love, proving that the heart of the Church beats just as strongly in every parish, no matter its size.
Mothers, many walking with their own families or friends from parish groups, joined the river of people with joy and reverence. One mother shared:
“I have never walked in public for my faith before... Today was something sacred. Something I will never forget.”
In many of these same parishes, a unique grace unfolded on this very feast day: the First Holy Communion of our children. Dozens of mothers in our movement were deeply blessed to witness their sons and daughters receive Jesus for the first time in the Eucharist on the very day we commemorate His Body and Blood. For these mothers, the celebration was twofold—walking with Jesus in procession and receiving Him at the altar, side by side with their children.
“To celebrate two of my son’s First Communion on Corpus Christi, felt like heaven touched earth. We all received Jesus, and I could hardly hold back the tears,” shared one mother.
These Eucharistic Processions and First Holy Communions were more than public devotions—they were declarations of faith in a world that sorely needs it. They were living catechesis for our children and bold reminders to the world that Christ remains at the centre.
They reminded us why we pray. Why we gather week after week in homes, churches, and schools to intercede for our families. Why, as mothers, we are called to be the first evangelisers of our children’s hearts.
We are deeply grateful to the Church, the bishops and clergy, organisers, and tireless volunteers who made these sacred events possible. But most of all, we give thanks to our Eucharistic Lord—who walks with us not only on feast days, but every day, in our joys, in our worries, in our motherhood.
May we continue to be mothers who pray. Mothers who believe. Mothers who walk with Jesus.
And may our children, be nourished by the Bread of Life and lifted by our prayers, follow Him all the days of their lives.
Written By:
Felise D'Costa
Mothers who Pray for their Children English Communications Coordinator
Photos Taken By:
Lori Cotacte
Mothers who Pray for their Children English Media Coordinator
Carolyn D'Mello
Mothers who Pray for their Children, St Nicholas of Myra