Christus Rex Pilgrimage

Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th October 2025

About the Christus Rex Pilgrimage

The Christus Rex Pilgrimage is a traditional walking pilgrimage held annually on the last weekend of October to honour the Feast of Christ the King. Now in its 35th year, the Pilgrimage follows a 90km route from St Patrick’s Cathedral in Ballarat to Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo, inspired by the great Chartres Pilgrimage in France.

Pilgrims walk together in prayer, song, and penance, supported by a dedicated volunteer team who provide meals, transport, and essential services across the weekend. Daily Masses are celebrated in the usus antiquior (1962 Missal), culminating in the Solemn Mass of Christ the King in Bendigo.

The 2025 Pilgrimage will also mark the centenary of Quas Primas, the encyclical which first instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925. Special events and commemorations will be announced in due course.

This is a unique opportunity to unite in public witness to Our Lord, grow in faith and fraternity, and be part of an extraordinary expression of Catholic tradition in the Australian context.

Registration Information

• Every person attending must register, including clergy and full-time volunteers.
• Children under 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian and must be directly supervised throughout the Pilgrimage.
• A 25% family discount is available for parents attending with children. Use the code FAM2025 at checkout.
• Coach seats from Bendigo to the check-in point in Ballarat must be booked in advance ($30 per seat). This by a separate form accessed here: COACH BOOKINGS
• The Pilgrimage includes accommodation (community hall or camping), meals from Friday breakfast to Sunday lunch, luggage transport, and first aid.
• If you are only able to attend part of the Pilgrimage (1 or 2 days only) please obtain the 'Partial Registration' link by emailing the Society
• Registrations close Friday 17 October 2025. Late fees apply after 30 September 2025. No refunds will be issued after this date unless exceptional circumstances apply.
• Once registered, you’ll receive access to the Pilgrim’s Portal—your source of truth for all event updates, transport details, what to pack, weather alerts and more.

Policies and Conditions of Participation
As a condition of registration, all pilgrims must agree to the Pilgrimage’s policies. These policies are vital to ensuring a respectful, safe and well-ordered event. They outline expectations around behaviour, supervision of children, complaint processes, and our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity of the Pilgrimage. Please read these documents carefully before registering.

• Registration Terms & Conditions

• Pilgrim's Code of Conduct

• Child Safety Policy