Our College community was privileged to welcome the Migrant Jubilee Cross as part of its national pilgrimage across Australia.
The Cross and its significance
The Migrant Jubilee Cross is a powerful symbol of the faith, resilience and contributions that migrants bring to the Church and to Australian society. Crafted from Australian timber and mounted on a boat-shaped base, the Cross evokes the migrant journey by land and sea, and the Church's vocation to be a place of refuge and welcome for all people.
The Cross forms part of a national pilgrimage launched in October 2025 to mark the Jubilee of Migrants within the wider Jubilee Year, inviting reflection on mercy, inclusion, pilgrimage and renewal.
Australia's story is a story of migration
Australia's story is deeply shaped by migration. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 31.5% of Australia's population – around 8.6 million people – were born overseas, one of the highest proportions in the world. These figures are not just statistics; they represent families, stories and cultures that enrich our classrooms, parishes and neighbourhoods every day.
The Gospel Imperative: 'Welcome the Stranger'
The Church has long upheld the Gospel imperative to 'welcome the stranger' (Matthew 25:35). This call is grounded in Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching, which consistently affirms the dignity of every human person and urges communities to respond to newcomers with compassion, justice and solidarity. As an immigrant Church, Catholic communities are invited not only to hospitality, but also to mutual enrichment – learning from the gifts and experiences that migrants bring.
Peace begins in our local communities
This message resonates strongly with Pope Leo XIV's 2026 World Day of Peace message, which calls the world to embrace a peace that is 'unarmed and disarming' – grounded in dialogue, humility and the recognition of our shared humanity. His appeal reminds us that peace begins in our local communities: when fear gives way to encounter, and when welcome replaces exclusion.
More than a ceremonial moment
The visit of the Migrant Jubilee Cross was therefore more than a ceremonial moment. It was an invitation to prayer, to gratitude for Australia's multicultural identity, and to renewed commitment to being a community where every person is known, valued and welcomed. As the Cross continues its journey, may the seeds planted during its time with us continue to bear fruit in lives marked by faith, hospitality and peace.
Thank you to the many families who shared their culture, language, food and participation in this liturgy, where the Migrant Jubilee Cross was a powerful and visible symbol. It was a blessing to hear many languages and accents during this liturgy and to share specially baked treats at morning tea. We were also blessed with the participation of many Homeroom Leaders, SRC members and Year 8 students who helped prepare and animate this beautiful celebration.
As the Migrant Jubilee Cross continues its national pilgrimage, our community carries forward its message: that every person — whatever their origin, language or background – is a gift to the Body of Christ and a bearer of God's image.
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