Cardinal Vincent blesses cycling pilgrimage and sends message to Parisians

Leaders Barbara Kentish and Fr Joe Ryan with the group outside Westminster Cathedral

A group of 17 intrepid environmental activists from different Christian backgrounds will embark on a cycling pilgrimage to Paris alongside the rivers of Normandy later this month to raise awareness of the UN conference on climate change.

At this poignant time for French people, Cardinal Vincent has given the pilgrimage a blessing and a message for the people of Paris: "I gladly send my best wishes to everyone participating in the Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Cycle from London to Paris as it begins its second phase. To repeat what I said in my message when you left from the steps of Westminster Cathedral: 'The witness of this event, in both teaching and action, highlights the importance of the forthcoming climate conference in the care of our common home'.

"As you cycle from Dieppe to Paris, carry to our brothers and sisters in France, and particularly those in Paris, our heartfelt solidarity with them following the horrific terrorist attacks of 13 November. Please assure them of our prayers for all whose lives were so brutally cut short, those who are bereaved, those who were wounded, so too their families and friends, and indeed for everyone in France. We join Cardinal Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris, in praying that 'grace be the artisan of peace'; and with him we are convinced that, 'We need never despair of peace if we build on justice'. May God bless, guide and keep you safe in your travels."

The pilgrimage, organised by the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, will link up with the Pilgrimage2Paris, and has attracted campaigners from all over the country. It will take place over three days from the 25th to 27thNovember covering 150 miles, and will follow the Avenue Verte cycling route from Dieppe to Paris.

There will be 12 Catholics on the trip, 2 of whom are the regional managers of CAFOD in Liverpool (Ged Edwards) and Salford (Ann Wilson). Fr Joe Ryan, Chair of Westminster Justice and Peace will also take part. The first phase of the journey, from London to Newhaven, was completed earlier this year in August.

Inspired by Pope Francis' latest encyclical Laudato Si, the cyclists aim to spread its message to save our common home, and they will take part in a global climate march on Sunday November 29th where they will join many other pilgrims from all corners of the earth.

Barbara Kentish, Fieldworker for Westminster Justice and Peace, said: "Laudato Si has had a huge impact on the climate change debate. Many people who have been campaigning on climate issues are absolutely delighted to see such a strong and positive statement from such a prominent religious figure."

The Conference of the Parties, in Paris, the 21st of its kind, is seen as a possible turning point in the fight against climate change. Delegations from many nations will stand on an equal footing to debate what they will do to tackle global warming. We could see for the first time an international legally-binding agreement to lower carbon emissions and move forward on renewable technologies, thereby preventing irreparable damage to creation.

Ann Wilson, cycling pilgrim from Salford, said: "It is important that many people make the pilgrimage to Paris because a critical mass of people can make change. The collective voice is better than the individual voice."

To make a donation to the cyclists see: www.justgiving.com/Barbara-Kentish