Walking in faith and solidarity across our Diocese

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

Supporters of CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk, have come out in force across the Diocese of Nottingham this year, walking together in faith and solidarity with developing nations.

Every year, CAFOD encourages parishes across the country to participate in the challenge, which involves walking 200km during Lent, to raise money for clean water in places such as Ethiopia and Peru.

Under the leadership of Chris Gallagher, Community Participation Co-ordinator – for CAFOD Nottingham, and thanks to the tenacity and energy of many volunteers, on each Saturday during Lent, CAFOD has hosted different walks in different regions of the diocese.

On the first Saturday in Lent, the walkers met in Stanford, with people from Leicester, Nottingham, Bourne, Deeping and of course, Stamford, joining in the challenge. Highlights from the walk included meandering over an ancient Elizabethan bridge across the River Welland and a walk through the Burghley Estate.

The second walk on the following Saturday, was organised by Fr David Cain, of the Holy Family Parish in east Leicester. The walkers set off from Water Mead Park and the group made three heroic attempts to complete the walk but each route was sadly blocked by floods!

“The spirit was willing, the flesh was willing,” recalled Chris Gallagher but health and safety prevented it!”

The third Lent walk took place in Ashby, and was organised by local CAFOD volunteer Robert, who drew people from all three local parishes. On the same Saturday, the young people of St Mary’s and St Augustine’s Stamford, organised a youth walk and raised over £600.

‍
On the fourth Saturday in Lent, BLW participants were treated to an illuminating historical talk from twelve-year-old Arabella Cox, whose parents, Tim and Tina Cox, organised a walk along Cromford Warf Canal.

The final walk was organised by the very busy and active CAFOD group in West Bridford. It involved a lovely, friendly and chatty stroll along the Trent from Wilford and back. Then afterwards everyone returned to a volunteers house for an enjoyable cuppa, hot cross buns and cake.

Reflecting on this year’s Big Lent Walk, Chris Gallagher said: “CAFOD in the Diocese of Nottingham, depends on our dedicated volunteers, who do amazing work in their parishes and this is particularly evident in the five walks during Lent, all organised by parish volunteers- bringing people together in prayer, faith and solidarity.”

The Big Lent Walk Prayer is as follows: “Lord, bless our steps as we walk in hope. May each mile be a prayer for justice, each stride a sign of love, and each breath a reminder of Your presence among us. Amen."

CAFOD would be very interested in hearing from anyone else in the Diocese interested in organising a walk in their Parish next year. Please do contact: nottingham@cafod.org.uk