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ACMRO News - October 2026
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In this edition:
| Making Room for One Another: Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair Celebrates Its Multicultural Community
| Many Heritages, One Heart: St Thomas More, Toowoomba Comes Together in Faith and Fellowship
| SA Catholics Mark World Day of Migrants with a Multicultural Mass
| Pope Leo Makes a Call to Protect Migrant Children
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Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair, in the Diocese of Parramatta, celebrated Migrant and Refugee Sunday on 27 September with its annual Multicultural Mass, bringing together parishioners from the many cultures that make up the parish community. The celebration featured a procession of children carrying national flags, prayers in multiple languages, traditional dress and a multicultural fellowship after Mass.
More than a celebration of cultural diversity, the day was an opportunity to deepen the sense of belonging that unites the parish. In his homily, Fr Percival Sevare OSA encouraged parishioners to learn one another’s names, listen to each other’s stories and make room for one another in their lives. “Every person here has a story worth hearing,” he said.
Parishioners reflected on the strong sense of welcome, friendship and unity they experienced throughout the day. Many spoke of the joy of seeing different cultures represented in worship, while others highlighted the conversations and connections formed during the fellowship after Mass. For migrants and refugees, the celebration was also a reminder that the parish is a place of support, belonging and home.
A common theme emerged from the many reflections shared: diversity is one of Holy Spirit Parish’s greatest blessings. Through worship, hospitality and the sharing of stories, the community demonstrated that while people come from many nations and backgrounds, they are united in one faith and one parish family.
We extend our acknowledgement and gratitude to Fr Percival Sevare OSA, the original publisher of this article.
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St Thomas More Parish gathered to celebrate the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, embracing this year’s theme, “Even just one of these children” (Matthew 18:10), which highlights the dignity and value of every person.
The celebration featured music from parish musicians and the multicultural choir, inspiring reflections from Deacon Martin Lewis of Catholic Mission and active participation from parishioners representing the many cultures that enrich the parish community. Together, they celebrated the diverse heritages, stories and journeys that make up the St Thomas More parish family.
In his message, Deacon Martin encouraged parishioners to live their faith through welcome, generosity and service, connecting powerfully with this year's Catholic Mission Appeal for Malawi.
The day was a vibrant expression of the parish vision: “A welcoming Catholic community growing in faith and united in our mission to share God's love with others.” Through prayer, fellowship, shared food and cultural celebration, the parish demonstrated that while its members come from many nations and backgrounds, they are one community in Christ and one parish family at St Thomas More.
The parish extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this special celebration. Through their generosity, participation and service, they brought the theme of the day to life and demonstrated faith in action.
We extend our acknowledgement and gratitude to St Thomas More's Parish, Toowoomba, the original publisher of this article.
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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 Diocese of Port Pirie 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 the next leg of its journey.
The pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross is a national initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops Commission for Evangelisation.
We extend our acknowledgement and gratitude to CathNews, the original publisher of this article.
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Ahead of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo has urged the global community to take greater responsibility for migrant and refugee children, describing them as the most vulnerable victims of displacement. He highlighted the violence, exploitation, trauma and loss of life that many young people experience as they flee conflict, poverty and other crises.
In his message, themed “Even just one of these children,” the Pope reminded people that behind migration statistics are real lives and human dignity. He called on individuals, communities and governments to ensure that children on the move are protected, cared for and given hope for the future.
The appeal comes amid continuing global displacement, with millions of children forced from their homes worldwide. Pope Leo challenged everyone to see and respond to their needs with compassion and action.
We extend our acknowledgement and gratitude to Vatican News, the original publisher of this article.
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