The Anglican Centre is one of many places around our world where a Lampedusa Cross reminds us and our visitors of the extreme hardship experienced by people crossing the Mediterranean Sea.  Pope Leo will spend tomorrow (4 July 2026) on the island.

This Cross was made – and signed – by a local carpenter, Francesco Tuccio, from the wreckage of boats washed up on its shores.  It is a visible reminder of the terrible suffering of refugees, in life and in death, and of the saving grace of Our Lord.  Mr Tuccio was inspired to do this after meeting with some Eritrean Christians who were among the survivors of a shipwreck near his island.  

Another one of his Crosses was shared in 2016 at the Anglican Centre with Archbishop Michael Jackson (the Church of Ireland’s Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough) in recognition of the commitment of his dioceses to working with the Irish Refugee Council for the well-being of refugees.

Archbishop Jackson presented it to the Revd Olive Donohoe, then Rector of St Michael’s Church, Athy, who was involved in the diocesan appeal for refugee housing and provided pastoral support for asylum seekers living in her town.  It is a symbol of hope in the future built on the saving work of Jesus Christ today and tomorrow as yesterday.

Watch a short video which shares the features of the Cross on our YouTube channel here.

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