When the Migrant Jubilee Cross arrived in Penrith on 5 January 2026, following the Feast of the Epiphany, it carried the prayers, memories, and hopes of migrant communities from across Australia, including those in the Diocese of Parramatta, one of the country’s most culturally diverse regions.
For Catholics and multicultural chaplaincies across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Cross’s visit resonated as a symbol of resilience, faith, and belonging. For one man in the congregation at St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith, the moment was profoundly personal.
John Kerklaan of Timber Alive in Quirindi, Diocese of Armidale, encountered the Cross during Mass not only as a pilgrim but as its creator.
More than a cross
A striking symbol of transition and hope, the Migrant Jubilee Cross, an initiative of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, speaks powerfully to the migrant story, having itself travelled over 5,000 kilometres to locations around Australia.
Visually, the Cross is set within a boat on a platform evoking water and shoreline. It features the Southern Cross, waves, and sand, and holds sacred relics of the Holy Family, themselves migrants and refugees, as well as relics of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, whose ministry walked closely with migrant communities marked by trust, hardship, and perseverance.
Made from repurposed church timbers and pews, including red cedar, the Cross preserves the memory of worship. Its custom trunk, also made by John, allows it to travel across the country to its final home in Canberra later this year.
A celebration of diversity
Filipino, Tongan, African, and Cantonese-speaking chaplaincies across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered to honour journeys of faith, displacement, and hope between 5–11 January 2026 at St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith; St Patrick’s, Blacktown; St Luke’s, Marsden Park; and St Patrick’s Cathedral Chapel, Parramatta.
An African chaplaincy celebration on 6 January 2026 at St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith. Image: supplied.
Fr Gayan Thamel, Episcopal Vicar for Migrant Chaplaincies and Parish Priest at St Luke’s, described the pilgrimage as “a great blessing for our Diocese.”
“In four places, our diverse multicultural communities came together around the Cross, celebrating the Eucharist and united in faith, hope and fellowship,” he said.
“The Migrant Jubilee Cross celebrates the faith, gifts, resilience, and contributions of migrants and refugees who have enriched our Church and our society,” the Filipino Chaplaincy shared on Facebook.
Fr Jonathan, the newly appointed Filipino chaplain, observed how the Mass at St Patrick’s, Blacktown, unfolded with mostly migrants in attendance.
“The celebration was less about showcasing Filipino culture and faith, and more about affirmation and encouragement amid the challenges migrants face, as well as praying for one another,” he said.
Filipino chaplaincy celebrations at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mary Queen of the Family Parish Blacktown, with Parish Priest Fr Wim Hoekstra on 7 January 2026. Image: supplied.
This year also marks one year since the Diocesan Tongan Chaplaincy was established, having previously been part of Sydney. Fr Taliai Hausia noted its connection to the pilgrimage.
“Fr Gayan gave us the opportunity to join and experience the pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross. It is truly an honour and blessing for the Tongan community to join together with the other migrant chaplaincies in prayer and thanksgiving. Malo ‘aupito – God bless!” he said.
Fr Gayan Thamel EV PP, with a member of the Tongan community at St Luke’s Parish Marsden Park. Image: supplied.
Fr Ephraim Lam, parish priest of St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta, and chaplain of the Cantonese/Chinese community, described the Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral as a “special experience.”
“The Migrant Cross on a ‘ship’, with the relics of the Holy Family and St Mary MacKillop, was truly meaningful,” he said.
An unexpected encounter in Penrith
At St Nicholas of Myra, John Kerklaan sat quietly among the congregation while visiting family in Western Sydney.
“I found out it was going to be at Penrith, so I took the family and went to Mass.”
During the liturgy, the Cross was introduced simply as being made from Australian timbers.
“I went and introduced myself after,” John said, describing a moment of shared surprise and joy.
“Of course, everybody wanted photos.”
Among those present was a remarkable connection to Australia’s first saint.
“Mary MacKillop’s cousin was also there,” John said, noting the uncanny alignment between the saint’s relic in the Cross and a living connection to Australia’s first saint and patron of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Crafted through prayer
John, a retired builder of 35 years who continues carpentry work for the Diocese of Armidale, said the design unfolded through prayer and creative discernment.
“I went to early morning Mass, sat there in adoration, looked at what was in front of me, and went home and made it.”
“St Joseph inspires me… and Jesus,” he said, noting the connection to his carpentry work.
Reflecting on the design, John said, “It just sort of evolved. One night I was doing a resin table with blue down the middle and I thought, what about we put some blue water on the platform? And a bit of sand at the front.”
He also made the cavities for the relics. “There’s a panel on the back that could be screwed shut. They put wax on it – it’s actually got the papal seal.”
The Cross contains relics of the Holy Family on loan from the Order of the Discalced Augustinians in Rome – including a piece of the Holy Crib of our Lord, the veil of Mary, and cloak of Joseph.
Beneath, it holds a relic of St Mary MacKillop’s original 1914 cedar coffin, gifted by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
With John present, he pointed out other unique features.
“Everything I make, I sign with Laus Deo (Praise God). It’s all His creation,” he said, adding that he also weaves in “SJ” for Saint Joseph. A smaller replica, the size of an A4 sheet, travelled to Rome and was blessed by the Pope.
Chinese chaplain and Parish Priest Fr Ephraim Lam celebrates Mass in Parramatta. Image: supplied.
Faith shaped by migration
John shared his personal connection to the migrant story, echoed by many in the Diocese, including Australia’s first Vietnamese bishop, former boat person Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv.
“My parents migrated from the Netherlands after the war. They went through the war under occupation, hiding from the Germans, trying to get food on the table,” he said.
“That’s why it connects. The migrant story is very real to me.”
Craftsman of the Migrant Jubilee Cross, John Kerklaan. Image: supplied.
A pilgrimage that touched hearts
As the Cross travelled through Western Sydney and across Australia, its impact became visible.
“In the beginning it was just a project,” John said. “Then you start seeing the Facebook photos from all around Australia and you realise the impact it’s having on people. They loved the symbolism, what it was saying to them.”
For John, the deepest meaning emerged through the prayer of others.
“You don’t really realise what something like this is going to mean until you see people praying in front of it, touching it, and taking it into their hearts.”
The Migrant Jubilee Cross pilgrimage reflects the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan priorities of community, listening, prayer and worship, and the call to be a Church that walks together, inclusive, welcoming and attentive to those on the margins. Visit Synodality to learn more.
Learn more about our multicultural chaplaincies.
