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In this edition:
| Pope Leo XIV Calls Migrants “Missionaries of Hope” in 2025 World Day of Migrants and Refugees Message
| The Migrant Jubilee Cross 2025-2026: A Pilgrimage of Hope Across Australia
| Timor-Leste’s Cardinal Strengthens Faith and Ties in Melbourne
| Filipino Cardinal Denounces Discrimination Against Migrants
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In his heartfelt message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV calls on the Church and global communities to recognise migrants and refugees not only as people seeking safety and opportunity but also as “missionaries of hope.”
Coinciding with the Jubilee of Migrants, the Pope’s message highlights the urgent challenges faced by displaced people amid war, climate crises, and economic inequality. He urges us to renew our commitment to peace, dignity, and shared responsibility.
“Migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope,” the Pope emphasised, drawing parallels between their journeys and the biblical exodus of the people of Israel. He stressed that their courage and spiritual depth can revitalise communities and foster interreligious dialogue, especially in regions experiencing spiritual decline.
Pope Leo reminds us that the Church is a pilgrim people, journeying towards its heavenly homeland. Catholic migrants, he says, are uniquely positioned to evangelise and bring new life to communities, while host nations are called to welcome them as “brothers and sisters.”
Concluding his message, Pope Leo entrusted all migrants and refugees and those who support them to the protection of the Virgin Mary, praying that hope may flourish in their hearts and guide them towards a world more reflective of God’s kingdom.
The ACMRO will soon publish an online resources webpage with various articles, videos, and liturgical materials for parishes and primary and secondary schools to mark this double celebration.
For all enquiries, kindly email ACMRO at info@acmro.catholic.org.au.
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The Migrant Jubilee Cross 2025 (Jubilee Cross) is an initiative of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry (BCELM), carried out through the work of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) and its directors. These directors, drawn from various Catholic Immigration/Multicultural Offices (CIOs), will serve as regional coordinators for the pilgrimage of the Jubilee Cross. Planning is already underway, with more detailed preparations to follow soon.
From October 2025 to October 2026, more than 28 dioceses and eparchies are expected to host the Jubilee Cross. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with communities across the country expressing deep enthusiasm and support.
Fr Paul Aguilar of the Armidale Diocese, one of the ACMRO directors, shares his reflection: “As we celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, a ‘Pilgrimage of Hope,’ the Jubilee Cross stands before us as a sacred and deeply moving sign of God’s love for all people, especially those who journey in search of safety, belonging, and peace. Created from Australian timber and set upon a boat-shaped base, the Jubilee Cross speaks to the heart of the migrant experience and the call of the Church to be a refuge and a home for all.”
He adds: “Emblazoned on the Jubilee Cross is the constellation of the Southern Cross, a symbol that has long guided travellers and dreamers across the southern skies. Embedded within it are two holy relics that deepen the meaning of this pilgrimage: one of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph [on loan from the Order of the Discalced Augustinians] and one of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop [gifted by the Josephite Sisters], Australia’s first canonised saint."
The ACMRO is organising a workshop with diocesan delegates to finalise a general calendar for the Jubilee Cross’s journey. In addition, online liturgical resources are being prepared for parishes and schools to use during their reception of the Cross.
For all enquiries, kindly email ACMRO at info@acmro.catholic.org.au.
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Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, the first Cardinal of Timor-Leste and the Archbishop of Dili, strengthened the bonds and faith of the local Timorese community during his visit to Melbourne this month.
While celebrating a Mass for the community, he stressed the value of preserving their Timorese traditions and Catholic faith. Cardinal da Silva emphasises to the community: “We all always remember that we are Timorese, and we bring with us in our heart Timorese culture and all of the customs that we have in our country.” This visit and gathering gave the community a unique chance to communicate with their spiritual leader from their homeland.
Carla Chung, ACRATH’s Seasonal Workers Support and Advocacy Officer, was deeply encouraged by the very experience of this gathering of the Timorese community, including many temporary migrant workers from Victoria and interstate. It included the welcoming dance, and the choir was performed by and led by migrant workers.
With acknowledgement and thanks to the Archdiocese of Melbourne, where this article originally appeared.
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The Dicastery for Evangelisation’s pro-prefect, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, denounced discrimination against migrants during the Serviam Servant Leadership Conference on 12 July at a Catholic school sponsored by the La Salle brothers.
Cardinal Tagle clarified that those who do not share the same ethnic, cultural, educational, or economic backgrounds are frequently left out of the “tribal conflicts” that occur throughout the world. According to the Cardinal, those who are excluded are viewed as “strangers” and “are treated with suspicion.” Additionally, they frequently “are being blamed” and “treated as scapegoats” when things do not go well.
As we celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, he reminds us that this Pilgrimage of Hope “be the humble walk of a servant like Jesus. The humble walk of God, who will walk even with the strangers, even with those different from us. And it will be a journey where our destination does not disappoint.”
With acknowledgement and thanks to Crux/Serviam Catholic Community Foundation Incorporated, CathNews, and Radio Veritas 846, where articles about this appeared.
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