On Monday, 1 June the Holy Cross Primary School Wooloowin community was deeply privileged to host the Migrant Jubilee Cross as part of a special liturgy honouring St John Baptist Scalabrini. This sacred and meaningful occasion brought together students and staff in a powerful expression of faith, welcome and unity.
The Migrant Jubilee Cross is a national symbol of faith, hope and welcome, travelling across Australia during the Jubilee Year. Organised by the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, the Cross invites communities to reflect on the experience of migrants and refugees and to recognise God’s presence in every journey. It arrived in Brisbane this very day and made its first stop at Lutwyche Parish and Holy Cross Primary School.
Holy Cross Primary School APRE, Michelle McClafferty said the opportunity to host this significant symbol was a blessing.
“It’s affirmation of the school’s commitment to living out the Catholic Social Teachings and embracing all members of God’s family,” she said.
A highlight of the liturgy was the reverent procession led by the school’s Senior Primary students.
Students from Year 5 and Year 6 walked to the Lutwyche Parish Church to collect the Migrant Jubilee Cross, along with the image of St John Baptist Scalabrini and other sacred symbols.
This act of pilgrimage was both symbolic and powerful, demonstrating leadership, respect and a strong sense of connection to the wider faith community.
As the students processed back to the school, they were joined by Parish priest, Fr Luis Antonio Diaz Lamus CS, teachers and younger students, creating a visible and moving display of unity across the school.
Following the procession, the Cross and accompanying symbols were placed at the heart of the gathering as the liturgy commenced.
“The presence of the Cross served as a prayerful reminder of the journeys many undertake in search of safety, belonging and opportunity, and called the community to respond with compassion, hospitality and love,” Ms McClafferty said.
The liturgy also honoured St John Baptist Scalabrini, the patron saint of migrants, whose Feast Day was celebrated today. An Italian bishop of the late 19th century, Scalabrini devoted his life to supporting migrants, recognising the challenges they faced when leaving their homelands in search of a better life. He founded religious congregations to accompany and advocate for migrants, ensuring they were cared for both spiritually and practically. His legacy continues to inspire the Church’s mission today, calling all people to welcome the stranger and uphold the dignity of every person.
For Holy Cross Primary School, celebrating this liturgy in honour of St John Baptist Scalabrini was particularly meaningful as the Lutwyche Parish Priest – Fr. Luis and Fr. Lukas are members of the Scalabrinian order of priests.
“Students were able to deepen their understanding of migration, empathy and inclusion, while actively engaging in a lived expression of faith,” Holy Cross Wooloowin Principal, Simon Mahaffy said.
“The experience reinforced the importance of community, reminding us that each person’s journey is sacred and that we are called to walk alongside one another.”
Ms McClafferty said Holy Cross was incredibly fortunate to have shared in this significant moment as a school community.
“The Migrant Jubilee Cross Liturgy not only strengthened our connection to the wider Church but also left a lasting impression on all who participated — encouraging us to continue building a community grounded in welcome, compassion and hope.”
The Migrant Jubilee Cross will travel to a number of parishes, schools and Catholic organisations across Brisbane. It will form the centre piece of a liturgical celebration at Brisbane Catholic Education Bourke Street offices on June 16.