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Biking Through Europe in Solidarity with the Jewish People
Aish - Haunted by history and driven by faith, Victor Mooney is choosing action over apathy as he bikes across Europe to speak out against antisemitism and honor Jewish suffering.
Victor Mooney, 59, is no stranger to extreme challenges.
Years ago, he set out to row across the Atlantic in honor of his brother. After three failed attempts, he begged his wife for one last chance. She reluctantly agreed—with a warning: “Don’t ask me again.”
Ex-LIer Victor Mooney embarks on bike pilgrimage to promote peace and tolerance in honor of Pope Francis
Newsday - Victor Mooney, a former Long Islander who rowed 5,000 miles across the Atlantic in 2015, is taking his thirst for adventure and philanthropy to Europe, pedaling more than 650 miles across Poland and Italy to honor the late Pope Francis while tackling antisemitism.
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
Piłsudski Square (formerly Victory Square)
Warsaw, Poland (June 1, 2025) - On the eve of 46th year anniversary of St. John Paul II mass at Victory Square, Don Victor Mooney will set off from here to begin "We Remember Challenge", a pilgrimage on wheels.
As he pedals through towns and cities, sharing stories of hope, love, and perseverance. Every turn of the wheel is a testimony to the strength that faith provides, and every mile traveled is an opportunity to touch lives and inspire others to believe in the impossible.
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)
Piłsudski Square to The Black Madonna
The Black Madonna also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa, is located at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland. According to the Catholic News Agency, the image, has been crowned the "Queen of Poland" and is highly venerated throughout Europe. Pilgrims pray for healing, guidance, and protection. It stands as a beacon of hope and spiritual strength.
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
The tomb of Pope Francis
Santa Maria Maggiore
U.S. Embassy to Holy See receives Victor Mooney after his audience with Pope Francis (2021)
