National Conference 2026: Christus Rex
Day 1 - Christ the King
We began with Holy Mass at Mary MacKillop Place, followed by a beautiful Eucharistic Procession through North Sydney to the ACU Campus Chapel. The day then continued with three thought-provoking addresses:
Fr Adrian Simmons — “The Meaning of Christ the King”
Dr Robert Haddad — “Is Christ Still King?”
Prof Tracey Rowland — “Christology and Constitutional Law: Understanding the Kingship of Christ”
We concluded the day with dinner at The Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills, enjoying good food, conversation and fellowship with Catholic students from across Australia.
Holy Mass (OF) at Mary McKillip Place Chapel
Holy Mass (OF) at Mary McKillip Place Chapel
Eucharistic Procession from Mary McKillop Place to ACU North Sydney Campus Chapel
Adoration at ACU North Sydney Campus Chapel
Antonio Ryan-Da Cunha
Joshua Riis
Fr Adrian Simmons explored “The Meaning of Christ the King"
Dr Robert Haddad challenged us with “Is Christ Still King?”
Prof Tracey Rowland presented “Christology and Constitutional Law: Understanding the Kingship of Christ"
The Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills
The Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills
Day 2 - Faith, Society & the Common Good
Day 2 was filled with engaging talks exploring the relationship between faith, society and our call to live as Catholics in the modern world:
Deacon Martin Lewis — “Royalty in Nikes”
Dr Richard Doig — “The National Catholic Rural Movement and Reconstruction of the Social Order”
Mr Jody Bruen AO — “Rerum Novarum and its Relevance in Modern Australia”
Fr Brian Lucas — “B.A. Santamaria: An Influencer Before We Spoke of Influencers”
We also celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form at St Mary’s Church, North Sydney, offering a beautiful opportunity to pause, pray and place Christ at the centre of our conference. The reverence and richness of the liturgy reminded us that everything we learn, discuss and do finds its source and summit in the Eucharist.
The day concluded with the Mannix Ball at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia. Delegates enjoyed an evening of celebration, music, dancing and friendship, with a keynote address from our patroness, Prof Tracey Rowland, encouraging us to live our faith with chivalry and courage.
Deacon Martin Lewis opened the day with "Royalty in Nikes"
Dr Richard Doig presented "The National Catholic Rural Movement and Reconstruction of the Social Order".
Fr. Joesph Vnuk
Mr Jody Bruen AO spoke on "Rerum Novarum and its Relevance in Modern Australia".
Fr Brian Lucas concluded the session with "B.A. Santamaria: An Influencer Before We Spoke of Influencers".
