CAFOD Cross of Lampedusa

Blessing of the Cross of Lampedusa

Display about Cross of Lampedusa

Today at the end of 10.30 mass, a cross of Lampedusa was blessed and placed next to the door for the Year of Mercy.  It is a reminder to us all as a reminder that we need to continue to pray and do what we can for the many refugees around the world - these simple crosses sent to Cathedrals thoughout the world, are a sign of hope.  

The cross is one of many created out of drift wood by a carpenter from the Italian island of Lampedusa.  Francesco Tuccio collected the driftwood from the wrecked boats of refugees escaping from Eritrea and Somalia who drowned off the coast of Lampedusa and made simple crosses which he offered as a symbol of hope. 

Parishioner signing card
sending prayers and
message of hope

Pope Francis carried a cross at a Mass to commemorate the people who have died and there is another in the British Museum, and this week one on display at Lancaster Cathedral. If you would like to go and leave a message on one of the cards which will be given to refugees to remind them they are not forgotten. 

For further resources for Cross of Lampedusa from CAFOD including prayer cards that can be sent with prayers and messages of hope to refugees.