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In this edition:
| Introducing Our Keynote Speaker: Dr Trudy Dantis – 8th ACMRO National Conference 2026
| Migrant Jubilee Cross Pilgrimage Concludes Across the Diocese of Townsville
| Conversations in the Spirit Celebrate Unity in Diversity
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The ACMRO is honoured to have Dr Trudy Dantis deliver the second keynote address at the 8th ACMRO National Conference on Migrant Communities in a Synodal Church, to be held on 25-26 August 2026 at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney.
Dr Dantis is director of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC)'s National Centre for Pastoral Research and a recognised leader in pastoral research and synodal renewal. She served as lead researcher and adjunct secretary for the historic Plenary Council of Australia and later as national coordinator for the Synod on Synodality (2021-2024). As one of the first 52 women appointed as full voting members of the Synod, she represented the Oceania region in a landmark moment for the global Church.
Dr Dantis is the author of A Handbook for Building Stronger Parishes and has co-authored numerous publications on parish vitality, Catholic demographics and faith practice in Australia. She also holds honorary appointments at Australian Catholic University and the University of Divinity and chairs the board of the Christian Research Association.
Through her leadership, research and commitment to fostering vibrant faith communities, Dr Dantis continues to shape the future of the Catholic Church in Australia and contribute to important conversations across the global Church.
Joining Dr Dantis and Cardinal Fabio Baggio CS at the 8th ACMRO National Conference will be Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn, chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry. Archbishop Prowse will lead a panel discussion with Ms Kylie Cullen (Archdiocese of Sydney), Ms Tracey Tessitore (Archdiocese of Adelaide) and Mr Greg Baynie (ACBC). Bishop George Kolodziej SDS of Bunbury will also address delegates at the conference dinner.
There will also be a sharing of best practices, with insights from Ms Jenny Collins-White (Catholic Mission), Fr Felixberto (Jun) Perez SVD (Divine Word Missionaries Australia province), Fr Tony Cox SSC (Stella Maris Australia) and Mgr Francis Kolencherry (Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne).
Through prayer, dialogue, keynote presentations and spiritual conversations, the conference aims to deepen our commitment to building a culture of encounter, recognising the gifts of migrant communities and strengthening our shared mission of evangelisation.
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After travelling an extraordinary 3,704 kilometres across the Diocese of Townsville, the pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross has come to a prayerful and joyful conclusion.
From Mount Isa and Cloncurry in the west to Townsville and the coastal communities of North Queensland, the Cross brought together parishes, schools, aged care communities and families in celebration of faith, hope and belonging. Along its journey, the Cross served as a powerful reminder of Christ’s presence among his people and the rich diversity that strengthens the Church.
The final stages of the pilgrimage included a reverent Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Townsville, celebrated by Bishop Tim Harris. Many faithful also participated in Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, creating a deeply prayerful encounter centred on Christ and the Eucharist.
The pilgrimage concluded at St Teresa’s Parish, Garbutt, where the community welcomed the Cross with music, dance and cultural expression. Traditional Owners reverently processed the Cross into the liturgy, young parishioners led the Prayers of the Faithful and the celebration continued with a community sausage sizzle following Mass.
As the Migrant Jubilee Cross completes its journey, the diocese gives thanks to the many clergy, volunteers, educators, students and parishioners whose hospitality brought this pilgrimage to life. More than a symbol travelling from place to place, the Cross has inspired communities to recognise Christ in the stranger, celebrate cultural diversity and continue building a Church where all people feel welcomed, valued and at home.
May the spirit of this pilgrimage continue to guide and strengthen our communities as one people of God.
We extend our acknowledgement and gratitude to the Diocese of Townsville, the original publisher of this article.
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As part of preparations for the Archdiocesan Assembly on Saturday 22 August, the Synodal Evangelisation Team of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn hosted three Conversations in the Spirit sessions during June and July. One gathering, held on 30 June, brought together migrant communities and chaplaincies to listen, reflect and discern how the Holy Spirit is calling us to grow as one Church.
The evening highlighted the richness that migrant communities bring to the life of the archdiocese through their strong faith, cultural traditions, hospitality, resilience and commitment to evangelisation and service. Participants spoke warmly of the joy and vitality that diverse cultures contribute to parish life and the wider Church.
A strong message emerged throughout the conversations: diversity is not a challenge to overcome but a gift to embrace. Many participants expressed a desire for greater unity, deeper belonging and stronger connections across communities, parishes and archdiocesan leadership. They also highlighted the importance of better communication, greater visibility for migrant communities, more opportunities for multicultural gatherings and increased support and leadership opportunities for young people.
As participants reflected on what the Holy Spirit is inviting us to pay greater attention to, themes of listening, prayer, welcome, participation and mutual respect were consistently raised. There was a shared sense that our common faith is stronger than our cultural differences and that we are called to walk together as one Body of Christ. Words such as unity, walking together, one Church, listening, synodality, youth empowerment and evangelisation captured the spirit of the evening. Participants also agreed on the importance of welcoming newcomers, supporting young people, creating more opportunities for shared worship and fellowship and working together in service of God’s mission.
The insights gathered through these Conversations in the Spirit will help inform discussions at the upcoming Archdiocesan Assembly. All members of the archdiocese are warmly encouraged to participate as we continue building a more welcoming, inclusive and mission-focused Church, united by one faith, one God and one Holy Spirit.
We extend our acknowledgement and gratitude to the Synodal Evangelisation Team of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
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