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)
Pope Leo XIV meets him at the finish line
Vatican (June 14, 2025) - Don Victor Mooney received a distinguished invitation from the Vatican to attend the Jubilee of Sports Audience, a testament to his profound faith and enduring commitment to service.
During the audience, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, congratulated him on his "Pilgrimage on Wheels," a grueling 9-day, 1,000-kilometer cycling journey across Poland.
Following a deeply moving blessing, Mooney presented the Pontiff with a unique gift: a pennant that had faithfully accompanied him on his arduous ride, symbolizing his unwavering spirit and dedication.
This recent encounter adds to Mooney's long-standing connection with the Holy See, as he has previously been privileged to have audiences with both St. John Paul II and Pope Francis at the Vatican over the years, marking a truly extraordinary spiritual journey.
Rome, Italy (June 14, 2025) - "Ultimo Addio," a 6-kilometer bike ride from Vatican City to Santa Maria Maggiore
Rome, Italy (June 14, 2025) - Victor Mooney pays respects to Pope Francis at Santa Maria Maggiore.
Rome, Italy (June 14, 2025) - Victor Mooney donated the “Pilgrimage on Wheels” bike to Gemelli Hospital.
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.
Lublin, Poland (June 11, 2025) - Victor Mooney placed a stone and other items at the former Nazi 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.
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.
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.
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. With each Hail Mary, he felt a profound connection to the resilience and faith that thrived even amidst unimaginable suffering.
Jasna Góra Monastery
Częstochowa, Poland (June 3, 2025) – After a journey that began at Piłsudski Square in Warsaw, Don Victor Mooney reached the revered Jasna Góra Monastery. Father Michael Bortnik has been assigned to assist him on this significant pilgrimage.
Despite the physical demands of his journey, Mooney's spiritual resolve was evident upon his arrival, as he declared, "I'm weak, but my faith is on fire."
For the next 48 hours, Mooney will find solace in the monastery's serene environment, granted private time for deep devotions to the iconic Black Madonna. Following this period of reflection, his pilgrimage will take a profound and somber turn as he journeys to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi death camp.
May 30, 2025 - H.E. Mr. Luca Franchetti Pardo, the esteemed Ambassador for the Embassy of Italy to Poland, extended a warm welcome to Mr. Don Victor Mooney.
The cordial meeting saw Ambassador Pardo express his unwavering support for the "We Remember Challenge," a significant initiative undertaken in honor of Pope Francis.
Beyond the formal discussions, the exchange was further enriched by the sharing of authentic Italian espresso and exquisite chocolates, fostering a genuine spirit of camaraderie and reinforcing a 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