MORE than 320 pilgrims from across Australia have taken part in the annual Christus Rex pilgrimage, which concluded with a Solemn Mass in Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral yesterday.The three-day pilgrimage in the medieval tradition saw pilgrims walk from Ballarat’s St Patrick’s Cathedral to Bendigo in time for yesterday’s 3pm Mass, conducted in the Extraordinary Form.Pilgrims had earlier camped at Smeaton and Newstead as part of their pilgrimage, inspired by the Chartres Pilgrimage in France, an event that attracts up to 30,000 participants each year.In true medieval tradition, the pilgrimage included prayers and meditation along the way, with Mass said each night on the journey to Bendigo.Support staff accompanied the pilgrims and when local halls were filled the overflow camped outside.Yesterday’s Mass featured hauntingly beautiful Gregorian chants, set against the backdrop of Bendigo’s spectacular cathedral.The Solemn Mass has experienced an immense rise in popularity among Catholics across the world, and organisers believe the Christus Rex pilgrimage will continue to grow each year, attracting young and old, bonded together in traditional spirituality and faith.