On World AIDS Day - December 1, 2021, the day Don Victor Mooney and his family met Pope Francis was one steeped in profound humility and emotion. As tears welled in their eyes, the Mooney family found themselves in a moment of spiritual connection that would leave an indelible mark upon their lives. 

For Pope Francis, the encounter was more than a warm handshake or a fleeting exchange; it was an intentional act of compassion and presence that extended to Don Victor, his wife, and their son alike.
This interaction, intimate and sincere, resonated deeply with Mooney, who described it as a transformative experience. He saw in Pope Francis’s actions a reflection of the pontiff’s well-known commitment to love, empathy, and service to humanity. 

“To truly honor Pope Francis,” Mooney said, “means action.” These words encapsulate his belief that the essence of the pope’s message lies in taking tangible steps to make a difference in the world.