Danny Bonnett, a wind turbine engineer from Bristol and a cycling pilgrim, shares his experiences of the road to Paris.
The group get ready to take the train to Newhaven
Day 1 – Newhaven to Dieppe
Mileage: almost nil.
Events: a few episodes of queasiness, great hospitality in Dieppe, and a great tour of historic churches – if only we had known how cold it was going to be! Our hosts were so welcoming it was lovely. Continue reading
Barbara Kentish and Fr Joe Ryan in front of Westminster Cathedral at the launch of the pilgrimage
With only two weeks to go until our small band of intrepid cyclists pedal to Paris, we are making our last minute preparations, oiling our bike chains and stocking up on puncture repair kits.
There are 17 cyclists in total who will be making the journey, and they represent a diverse group of people of all ages and from different walks of life. We have Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists and Quakers, who have all been inspired to show their support for the upcoming UN climate talks and to lend their voices to the thousands of people who will converge on France’s capital to call for action to lower global carbon emissions. Continue reading
Laudato Si’ – On Care for our Common Home
Fr Joe Ryan with J&P supporters
Nine years after Columban theologian Sean McDonagh first addressed the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission he returned to give a wonderfully enriching overview of Pope Francis’s letter, Laudato Si’. Over seventy people from across the diocese attended the occasion at St John Vianney Parish Centre In Tottenham, as Father Sean rolled out gem after gem of the encyclical, published in May, with illustrations from his own observations and experiences of over 40 years speaking out for the environment. Continue reading
Pilgrimage Cycle Ride to Paris Phase 1, 29-31st August 2015
Many yellow T-shirts on the Westminster Cathedral Piazza, many bikes and a few banners, singing and speeches were the noisy start to our Pilgrimage to Paris. After months of preparation it was hard to believe the morning had come at last. Continue reading
There are still spaces for our cycle for the planet, to raise awareness of the important Paris talks at the end of the year. We will cycle 100 miles, talk to parishes, show we are prepared to make an effort to tell people about climate change. Join us by clicking here and sending the form back to us.
We ARE on the right track!
All they need is the bike!
Cycling Pilgrimage to Paris
We have been very busy these last few weeks preparing for the Cycle to Paris project. The Paris Climate talks in December are crucial for the future of all countries, but especially for those most affected by the climate change going on now – countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines and the Pacific islands.
Justice and Peace and CAFOD are offering a chance to a small group to cycle to Paris – to increase our own commitment to action, and to raise awareness and commitment amongst others about the need for change on every level.
Find our application form and further information here.
Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission 