In anticipation of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United States, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens gathered the community to follow Pope Francis’ example of prayer, action and service, by hosting a #WalkwithFrancis event, and a diocesan-wide Food Drive.
#WalkwithFrancis, a walk with prayer and reflection, took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, onSunday, September 20. Over 100 walkers met at the San Damiano Mission near McCarren Park and walked one-and-a-half miles to pray and reflect on Pope Francis’ message on Ecology, the Dignity of the Poor and Elderly, and the Marginalized. The walk concluded with Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Church.
On the same day as the #WalkwithFrancis event in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Catholic Charities hosted a Diocesan-Wide Food Drive of non-perishable food forlocal food pantries. Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, encouraged parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens to participate by asking parishioners to bring non-perishable food items to the parish that weekend.
Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in September marks the 8th World Meeting on the Family. All parishes participating in #WalkwithFrancis and the Food Drive will be acknowledged when he is presented with an offering of all #WalkwithFrancis pledges.
Catholic Charities used hashtag #WalkwithFrancis as the name of the event to encourage social media engagement and as away of showing solidarity with the #WalkwithFrancis Campaign, started in the Archdiocese of Washington. In an effort to welcome Pope Francis as he visits the United States, the Campaign challenges us to take a pledge ) and follow his example to pray, act and serve.
PRAY–Pray regularly for the Holy Father and learn about his message on the Joy of the Gospel, the mercy of God and the love of Christ.
ACT–Act to promote human life and dignity, justice and peace, family life and religious freedom. Care for creation and the common good
SERVE–Serve by reaching out and caring for those in need and supporting charitable efforts in our communities and beyond.
To find out more information on how you can taking the pledge to #WalkwithFrancis, contact Richard Slizeski at 718-722-6115 or Richard.Slizeski@ccbq.org
