US bishops have some exciting ways for people to participate in the Share the Journey, a campaign launched by Pope Francis on September 27, 2017.
Pope Francis warned against what he called “the enemies of hope” as he launched the two-year campaign. “Hope is what drives sharing the journey of life,” the Pope said. “Brothers and sisters, we are not afraid to share the journey! We are not afraid to share hope!”
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of USCCB Committee on Migration; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, of Oklahoma City, representing Catholic Relief Services; and Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh, Episcopal Liaison of Catholic Charities USA, offered the U.S. Bishops an update on what to expect during the June 13-14, 2018, meeting of the group.
Share the Journey is a two-year, global campaign to build empathy and awareness on the plight of migrants and refugees through encounters and education. The campaign is managed by Caritas Internationalis and implemented by other Caritas members around the world. The first year of the campaign saw the launch of a new website in support of the campaign, more than 200 media stories and millions of impressions on social media sites.
Highlights of the second year of the campaign will include a virtual pilgrimage which will encourage people in their communities to walk a combined 24,900 miles, equivalent to one trip around the earth, as they share the journey with their brothers and sisters in need. Dioceses, parishes, universities, and schools will be asked to pray, walk, and bear public witness to our solidarity with migrants and refugees. Catholic leaders are encouraged to work in partnership with both interfaith and ecumenical groups.
