People of welcome - Holy Cross School students’ journey with the Migrant Jubilee Cross

Holy Cross School students went on a special pilgrimage last week, one defined not by distance, but by faith and community.

With the arrival of the Migrant Jubilee Cross in Brisbane (15–21 June), the Wooloowin community embraced the opportunity to journey with the cross across from Lutwyche Parish Church to their school grounds.

In a symbolic act of pilgrimage, the students were invited to step into the story of migrants and refugees, reflecting on the journeys taken in search of hope and belonging, as they symbolically travelled up Morris Street with the Migrant Jubilee Cross, boat, the Mercy Cross, school banner, and an image of St John Baptist Scalabrini. 

Joining the procession of students was Parish Priest Father Luis Antoni Diaz Lamus CS, and staff.

Holy Cross School Principal Simon Mahaffy said the pilgrimage was a meaningful reminder that a pilgrimage does not always require travel from home.

“Instead, it can be found in the way a community walks together, listens deeply and grows in understanding,” he said.

“The Migrant Jubilee cross allowed students to deepen their understanding of migration, empathy and inclusion, while actively engaging in a lived expression of faith.” 

 “It’s an affirmation of the school’s commitment to living out the Catholic Social Teachings and embracing all members of God’s family,” said Holy Cross School Assistant Principal Religious Education Michelle McClafferty.

“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.”

As part of the pilgrimage, the whole school also took part in a special liturgy honouring St John Baptist Scalabrini, learning about why he was called the ‘Father of Migrants,’ with the Migrant Jubilee Cross and accompanying symbols placed at the heart of the gathering. 

The Migrant Jubilee Cross will continue its journey across Brisbane, visiting parishes, schools and Catholic organisations. 

The cross also formed the centrepiece of a liturgical celebration at Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Bourke Street offices on Tuesday, 16 June. The event brought BCE staff together for a meaningful liturgy, panel conversation and shared reflection centred on the Gospel call to ‘welcome the stranger,’ a message deeply connected to Multicultural Australia’s Work and Welcome initiative.

The Migrant Jubilee Cross has also journeyed through Queen of Apostles Primary School, Stafford, and Sacred Heart Primary School, Sandgate in the month of June.

For more information about Holy Cross School, Wooloowin or to enrol, click here.

St John Baptist Scalabrini

St John Baptist Scalabrini (1839–1905) was an Italian Catholic Bishop who is best known as the ‘Father of Migrants’ because of his work supporting people who had to leave their homes to start new lives in other countries.

More about The Migrant Jubilee Cross

The Migrant Jubilee Cross is a national symbol of hope and belonging, travelling across Australia during the Jubilee Year. It invites communities to reflect on the experiences of migrants and refugees, recognising the courage, resilience and faith found in every journey.

With more than 146 Catholic schools across South East Queensland, Brisbane Catholic Education offers families a wide choice of primary and secondary schools for students from Prep to Year 12. Find a school near you today! Click here.

Image caption: Holy Cross School students with the Migrant Jubilee Cross. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Holy Cross School, Wooloowin (2026).