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ACMRO News - September 2025
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In this edition:
| Online Resources Published for World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2025 and Jubilee of Migrants
| 75th Anniversary of the 1950 Pastoral Letter on Immigration
| The Migrant Jubilee Cross, Sailing Soon
| Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Multicultural Mass
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The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) has published online resources to support the double celebration of the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2025 (WDMR) and Jubilee of Migrants. Dating back to the First World War, the WDMR, which usually falls on the last Sunday of September, will be celebrated this year on 4 and 5 October on the occasion of the Jubilee of Migrants.
To mark the occasion, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry (BCELM), said that we are invited to unite with Pope Leo in prayer and action, “taking time to sit back and listen” to some of the migrants’ and refugees’ wonderful stories, which “generates a great sense of hope and an appreciation of their courage.”
Fr Khalid Marogi, the ACMRO national director, adds that the online resources are “designed to inspire action and reflection across Australia.” He invites “all communities to use them to deepen their understanding and solidarity with migrants and refugees, who continue to enrich our Church and society.”
The Migrants and Refugees 2025 webpage includes liturgy resources for primary and secondary schools, homily notes, prayers of intercession, and parish bulletin notices.
For all enquiries, kindly email ACMRO at info@acmro.catholic.org.au.
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On 21 August, the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry (BCELM) launched a new document titled “Under the Southern Cross: A Journey of Faith and Unity.” The release commemorates the 75th anniversary of the historic Pastoral Letter on Immigration from 1950, which was first issued by the Australian Archbishops and Bishops.
The new Pastoral Letter reflects on the Church’s longstanding commitment to supporting migrants and refugees, reaffirming its mission to promote dignity, inclusion, and unity within Australian society.
In the document’s preface, BCELM Chair Archbishop Christopher Prowse writes, “The Catholic Church has long stood in solidarity with migrants and refugees, advocating for their dignity and inclusion.” He continues: “As we look to the future, let us continue to embrace those who seek refuge and opportunity here, recognising in them the face of Christ. Their stories are now part of our shared story, and their hopes are woven into the promise of Australia.”
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On Sunday, 5 October, St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra will host the launch of the Migrant Jubilee Cross in celebration of the Jubilee of Migrants. The Migrant Jubilee Cross is a revered and profoundly poignant symbol of God's love for everyone, particularly those who journey in pursuit of safety, belonging, and peace.
The boat that carries the Migrant Jubilee Cross is a symbol rich in meaning. It represents the many boats in which people have fled violence and poverty, risking everything for a better future. But it also evokes the Church, the barque of Peter, which sails through the storms of history carrying us all as pilgrims on the journey of faith. The Church is called to be a safe harbour, a home, and a companion on the journey, especially for the vulnerable and the displaced.
Following its launch, the Migrant Jubilee Cross will embark on a nationwide pilgrimage, travelling to 28 dioceses and eparchies across the country. At each parish and school community it visits, it will serve as a focal point for local celebrations, prayer services, and moments to acknowledge and celebrate the faith, gifts, contributions, and resilience that migrant communities bring to our local Church and the world. This pilgrimage is also an opportunity to renew the Church’s commitment to hospitality and the Gospel call to love one another as Christ loved us.
The ACMRO wishes to acknowledge and thank all those who shared their time, talents, and resources in creating the Migrant Jubilee Cross and having it brought to Canberra: John Kerklaan of Timber Alive in Quirindi, NSW; Fr Paul Aguilar; Shirley Lockwood of General Freight Express in Tamworth, NSW; and Deacon Paul Manvell.
More information will be available at the Migrant Jubilee Cross webpage on the ACMRO website soon.
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Archbishop Mark Coleridge presided over the joyous and colourful annual Multicultural Mass held at the Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in Inala, QLD, on 24 August. People of many nations came together as one family in Christ, and this celebration was a true expression of our universal Church. It was a lovely opportunity to express gratitude for the diversity of our cultures while being unified by our common faith.
In his homily, Archbishop Coleridge emphasised the importance of this occasion by describing what could be at the core of his ministry as bishop in the Archdiocese: the “attempt to draw the cultural communities to centre stage.” The Church is not a matter of uniformity, but she recognises and celebrates the many varied gifts the communities bring to the feast.
With acknowledgement and thanks to the Archdiocesan Ministries of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, where this article originally appeared.
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