South Australian Catholics marked the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees with a multicultural Mass at Our Lady of the Boat People in Pooraka. Source: The Southern Cross.
The Mass, celebrated by Adelaide Archbishop Patrick O’Regan on Sunday, was meant to be followed by the procession of the National Migrant Jubilee Cross, which has travelled across 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 people also donated first class relics to travel with the temporary cross.
“The cross being temporarily misplaced is just an example of a migrant’s journey, which is almost never without its challenges,” Fr Francis Montero, coordinator of the Migrant Jubilee Cross for Port Pirie, said.
Tracey Tessitore, cultural community liaison of Adelaide’s Justice, Healing and Inclusion Office, said: “Today we are honoured to welcome the Migrant Jubilee Cross, created to continue the pilgrimage of the original cross that was lost in transit.
“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 Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office confirmed this morning that the National Migrant Jubilee Cross was found and is on its way to Darwin for its next leg on its journey.
The pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross is a national initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops Commission for Evangelisation.
FULL STORY
Warm welcome for National Migrant Jubilee Cross (The Southern Cross)
