Fight Antisemitism | Tolerance | Unity | Peace
1,000km Bike Ride| Poland
Dedicated to Pope Francis
- Piłsudski Square formerly Victory Square (Warsaw)
- The Black Madonna (Częstochowa)
- The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (Oświęcim)
- Family Home of John Paul II (Wadowice)
- Bazylica Wadowice (Wadowice)
- Divine Mercy Sanctuary (Kraków)
- Lord’s Ark Church (Nowa Huta)
- The Majdanek State Museum (Lublin)
May 30, 2025 - H.E. Mr. Luca Franchetti Pardo, Ambassador for the Embassy of Italy to Poland, warmly welcomed Mr. Don Victor Mooney. At the meeting, Ambassador Pardo expressed his unwavering support for "We Remember Challenge", an initiative undertaken in honor of Pope Francis.
The conversation was a productive exchange, further sweetened by the sharing of a cup of Italian espresso and exquisite chocolates, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and shared commitment to the project's goals.
"Thank you for your interest and for your journey. Please contact our team, they'll help prepare your visit at the Memorial properly" - Maria Ossolińska, Head of Diplomacy of Remembrance, Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Oświęcim, Poland
"The project you have presented is very interesting and admirable. The State Museum at Majdanek will support it. We grant permission for you to pay your respects" - Katarzyna Boraca, State Museum at Majdanek, Lublin, Poland
"Your testimony of faith and commitment, as reflected in your upcoming pilgrimage and accompanying acts of charity, is truly moving. With every good wish and the assurance of our prayers for a fruitful and grace-filled pilgrimage" - Secretariat of the Apostolic Nunciature to the Holy See, Washington, D.C.
"May God continue to bless you and your mission of love and mercy" - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis
Any contribution you can make will aid the “We Remember Challenge”, a campaign dedicated to fostering collective remembrance and reflection. The funds raised will cover necessary supplies and related expenses, with any surplus supporting future discussions centered on this initiative.
By God’s grace, I hope this journey will inspire efforts to combat antisemitism, strengthen religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue, causes championed by Pope Francis. Tears have already begun to flow - Don Victor Mooney
Humanity's Darkest Chapter
Oświęcim, Poland (June 7, 2025) - Victor Mooney’s reflective journey through Auschwitz-Birkenau was a poignant reminder of humanity's darkest chapter. As he walked through the remnants of the camp, his thoughts were filled with prayers for peace, unity, and a future free from hatred.
On the first night, sleeping feet from Birkenau, he joined his Jewish friend via technology and said, "SHAMA YISROL ODONOI ELOHAYNU, ODONOI EHOD". Under the vast Polish sky, he was enveloped by an overwhelming sense of reflection and resolve, vowing to keep their stories and lessons alive.
Praying the rosary at Maximilian Kolbe cell
Oświęcim, Poland (June 7, 2025) – At the cell belonging to Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Roman Catholic priest, remembered for his selfless act of volunteering to die in place of another prisoner at Auschwitz, Mooney wept as he prayed the rosary.
Surrounded by the solemnity of the place, Mooney reflected on the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the horrors of the Holocaust. The weight of history seemed to press down on the air, mingling with the quiet echoes of prayers and footsteps. With each Hail Mary, he felt a profound connection to the resilience and faith that thrived even amidst unimaginable suffering.
Basilica Wadowice to Divine Mercy Sanctuary
Wadowice, Poland (June 8, 2025) - Despite the profound solemnity of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where the echoes of history lingered around every corner, Victor Mooney found moments of spiritual reprieve.
Mooney’s pilgrimage was a moving tapestry of remembrance, faith, and hope. Mooney arrived yesterday at Basilica Wadowice. Afterwards, he spoke with staff at the Family House of the Holy Father John Paul II Museum.
Following Mass, he heads to Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Krakow, which is the resting place of Saint Faustina Kowalska.
Krakow, Poland (June 8, 2025) - Mr. Mooney attended Mass at The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy today where he received Holy Communion.
This morning's service was marked by a profound sense of reverence, as Mr. Mooney joined the faithful in prayer and reflection during the Holy Mass.
Nowa Huta, Poland (June 8, 2025) - Mr. Mooney’s last stop in Krakow was at Arc of the Lord Church. In three days, he hopes to complete "We Remember Challenge".
The Majdanek State Museum, with its solemn grounds, would serve as the final chapter, a place for remembrance and education—a testament to the importance of never forgetting.
Lublin, Poland (June 11, 2025) - Victor Mooney completed a remarkable nine-day cycling journey covering 1,000 kilometers across Poland. On arrival at the former Nazi Majdanek death camp, he was received by the spokesperson of The Majdanek State Museum.
During this poignant moment, he shared the experiences and reflections from his bike pilgrimage, highlighting the significance of remembrance and the lessons of history.
Lublin, Poland (June 11, 2025) - Victor Mooney placed a stone and other items at the Majdanek death camp, a poignant tribute to the countless souls lost to unimaginable horrors. “Each grain of dust, each echo of sorrow whispers their stories, reminding us of resilience in the face of evil“, said Mooney.
This act, simple yet profound, seeks to honor their memory and ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten, urging humanity to confront its past and strive for a future built on compassion and understanding.
Ultimo Addio | Final Farewell
On June 14, with God's grace, following the Holy Father Jubilee Audience at St. Peter's Square, I return to the asphalt for the "Ultimo Addio," a solemn 6-kilometer bike ride from Vatican City to Santa Maria Maggiore, the tomb of Pope Francis. Afterward, I expressed my wish to donate the bike I had been using to a child at Gemelli Hospital.
This gesture is part of my personal reflections on the passing of the Pontiff. As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, I humbly offer this bike with the prayer that it becomes a source of happiness for its next rider - Don Victor Mooney
