Warm welcome for National Migrant Jubilee Cross
News
As he prepared for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees held on 27 September, Pope Leo XIV called upon everyone to recognise Christ in every migrant and refugee child, protecting their dignity, rights and wellbeing through compassionate welcome, solidarity and shared responsibility.
This year’s Migrant and Refugee Sunday Multicultural Mass was meant to be followed by the procession of the National Migrant Jubilee Cross, which has travelled Australia since October 2025. The Cross serves as a powerful symbol of hope, pilgrimage and gratitude, recognising the rich contribution of migrants to the life of the Church and the Australian community.
When the Cross was misplaced in transit, the Port Pirie Diocese jumped into action and provided a surrogate Cross to use in its place as it made its way across South Australia, including St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, St Gabriel’s Primary School, and Mary MacKillop College. Two kind people also donated first class relics with which to continue its meaning.
“The cross being temporarily misplaced is just an example of a migrant’s journey which is almost never without its challenges,” said Father Montero, coordinator of the Migrant Jubilee Cross for Port Pirie.
When the crowd gathered at Our Lady of the Boat People Church, Pooraka, on 27 September, for special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan, the atmosphere was uplifting.
Most importantly, the pilgrimage provides opportunities to listen to the stories of migrant communities, to honour their griefs and hopes, and to give thanks for the many ways they contribute to the mission of the Church in South Australia.
“Today we are honoured to welcome the Migrant Jubilee Cross, created to continue the pilgrimage of the original cross that was lost in transit,” said Tracey Tessitore, Cultural Community Liaison of the Justice, Healing and Inclusion Office within the Pastoral Services Team.
“It stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and the rich faith and cultural diversity that migrants and refugees bring to our Church and community. Today we celebrate every migrant story, every journey and every hope for the future, recognising that the many cultures, traditions and gifts brought by migrants have helped shape both our nation and our Church.”
At the conclusion of Mass, during the recessional hymn, all were invited to join in procession around the statue of Our Lady of the Boat People, led by the Migrant Jubilee Cross.
The pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross is a national initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops Commission for Evangelisation.
