Warm welcome for National Migrant Jubilee Cross

Archbishop Patrick O’Regan celebrated a special Mass at Our Lady of the Boat People Church in Pooraka on September 27 to mark the procession of the National Migrant Jubilee Cross. The event followed the Migrant and Refugee Sunday Multicultural Mass and serves as part of a pilgrimage that has traveled through Australia since October 2025 to recognize the contributions of migrants to the Church and the Australian community.

During its journey through South Australia, the Cross was temporarily misplaced in transit. The Port Pirie Diocese provided a substitute Cross for visits to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, St Gabriel’s Primary School, and Mary MacKillop College, while two donors provided first class relics to maintain the symbol's meaning. Father Montero, the coordinator for the Migrant Jubilee Cross in Port Pirie, noted that the loss of the Cross reflected the challenges often faced during a migrant's journey.

In preparation for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees held on September 27, Pope Leo XIV asked people to protect the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of migrant and refugee children through solidarity and compassionate welcome.