Young pilgrims raise funds Venezuela

Image: ACN

Source: ACN

Passers-by stopped to donate as a group of young people walked more than 5km across Harrow to raise money for communities struggling in crisis-hit Venezuela.

Fourteen teenagers from St John Fisher Parish in North Harrow completed the sponsored pilgrimage from St John Fisher Church to St Gregory the Great Church in South Ruislip, attracting attention along the way in their distinctive red T-shirts.

They raised more than £500 for Aid to the Church in Need's work in crisis-hit Venezuela.

The fundraising comes as millions of people in Venezuela continue to face severe hardship after years of economic and political turmoil.

An estimated 7.9 million people need humanitarian assistance, with vulnerable families struggling with access to food, healthcare, clean water and other essential services.

The recently confirmed young people were accompanied by parish priest Fr Graham and catechists, following a route largely through parkland alongside Yeading Brook.

People stopped the group to ask why they were walking and, after hearing about the appeal, some offered their support, helping the young fundraisers surpass their target.

One of the young participants said: "The walk gave us a chance to spend time together again after our Confirmation programme had ended. It was encouraging to see people stopping to ask about why we were walking and wanting to support the appeal.

"Knowing that we have exceeded our target makes us feel that we can make a difference, even through a small action."

The walk on 13th September took just under an hour and was also an opportunity for the teenagers to reconnect after completing their Confirmation programme together.

Before setting off, Fr Graham spoke about the tradition of pilgrimage and how a physical journey can also be a spiritual one, helping people draw closer to their faith.

On arrival at St Gregory the Great Church, the group was welcomed by parish priest Fr Paulo Bagini, who spoke to them about St Gregory the Great and his role in sending St Augustine to England to proclaim the Gospel.

The young people then attended Mass with their families and parishioners at St Gregory's.

Catechist Jan Bennett said: "The young people wanted to put their faith into action by helping others. The walk not only raised funds but also helped them understand that communities facing poverty and hardship overseas depend on the support and solidarity of people here in Harrow."

She added: "We hope our small effort will help to raise awareness of the tragedy in Venezuela and encourage others to contribute to the appeal."

The money raised will go towards supporting communities affected by hardship in Venezuela.

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org