The Migrant and Refugee Jubilee Cross, a powerful national symbol of faith and unity, will be welcomed into the Diocese of Bathurst from Saturday, 1 November.

Coordinated by the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO), the Cross is journeying across Australia as part of the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope. Its visit to Bathurst Diocese marks a significant moment of prayer and solidarity with migrants, refugees, and all who seek hope and renewal.

1-2 November
Mass and Procession to Bathurst Cathedral

The Cross will be present at the 11:00 am Mass on Saturday 1 Nov, celebrated by Bishop Michael McKenna, commemorating the first Mass celebrated west of the Blue Mountains, at Holy Family Chapel, 225 Gilmour Street, Kelso. Following Mass, the Cross will be carried in procession to the Cathedral of St Michael and St John, corner William and Keppel Streets, Bathurst. All who are able are warmly invited to join this pilgrimage of faith and witness. A RSVP form can be found here for catering purposes.

This celebration will also honour the Jubilee, and will include Adoration, Benediction and  Reconciliation in the Cathedral, followed by a BBQ.

The Jubilee Cross will remain in the Cathedral until Sunday, offering time for prayer, reflection, and veneration. It will then be entrusted to the Syro-Malabar Mission in Orange, continuing its journey through the Diocese.

From there, the Cross will visit:

3 November
Orange Parish

The Jubilee Migrant Cross will be welcomed to the annual Cemetery Mass. A special invitation is extended to all members of our migrant communities to join this Mass of remembrance.

6.00pm Monday 3 Nov at Orange Cemetery.

4-5 November
Dubbo Parish

The Cross will visit Wellington Correctional Centre and Parish schools.

Mass will be celebrated on 4 November in St Brigid’s Church at 5.45pm.

6 November
The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Principals’ Conference – Orange

11-13 November
The Cross will also be present at the November CCRESS meeting, a meeting of all those responsible for assisting with Christian SRE being present in state schools.

Each stop provides an opportunity for the faithful to gather, reflect, and pray for unity, peace, and renewal in Christ.

The Jubilee Cross reminds us of our shared call to journey together in faith, embracing the hope that Christ offers to all. As it travels through the Diocese of Bathurst, may it inspire communities to walk together as pilgrims of hope, building bridges of understanding and compassion.