St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho holds walk in support of the poor

By Vero Gutiérrez

ICR Assistant Editor

The Friends of the Poor Walk, organized by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to raise funds and awareness of its efforts to prevent homelessness, took place once again this year.

The weather was excellent, and participants completed their walk through Julia Davis Park. There were two routes: a short, 1-mile route, which most participants took, and a 3-mile route, which took an estimated one hour to complete.

Participants included families from various parishes, members of the St. Vincent de Paul conferences in Southwest Idaho, volunteers and friends of the volunteers.

Taking advantage of Father Jerry Funke’s participation, the Catholic community began the walk with a blessing from the retired priest of the Diocese of Boise. He encouraged all participants to reflect on the pilgrimage we undertake as the Church Militant before reaching our eternal destination with God while walking. He also recalled the long journey of the people of Israel throughout the Old Testament.

Conference President Becky Swarts commented that holding these activities is important because they raise awareness of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s work in Idaho and motivate others to support their parish conferences financially or through volunteering.

Meanwhile, Joe Lasuen, the coordinator of the Friends of the Poor Walk, expressed his satisfaction with the results. He noted that it had been 12 years since the last event, and he is glad that they were able to hold it again.

Organizing this type of event takes a lot of time, so he is seeking support from various parishes for next year to encourage their participation and promote the event among parishioners.

Now that the event has been revived, he said they hope to hold it again next year with even greater participation. To achieve this goal, they will encourage parishes to compete by fielding teams with more participants.

In addition to promoting physical activity, the walk is a good opportunity to improve overall fitness, meet new people and, above all, make a donation to help those in greatest need.

The funds raised during this walk will directly support the conferences’ activities and the residents they serve.

This assistance will address the urgent needs of families facing difficult situations due to circumstances such as job loss and health issues. These families require support to cover their rent and utility bills, as well as help with food and clothing.

Lasuen and her team expressed their gratitude to all who participated in the event, including participants, sponsors and volunteers.

Team members said they hope to participate next year and invite their friends, coworkers and neighbors to join them in this walk to prevent homelessness in southwestern Idaho.

On Nov. 15, the 10th World Day of the Poor will be celebrated around the world. In this regard, Pope Leo included the following thought in his message:

“I trust that this 10th World Day of the Poor may serve as a significant step toward rediscovering the faces of so many brothers and sisters who seek refuge in God and wish to feel at home in our communities. Christ’s love makes us participants in God’s life of love. In this sense, Christians are called not only to seek refuge in God but also to become a refuge for others in Him, without distinguishing between the one who helps and the one who is helped, the one who gives and the one who receives, or the one who is poor and the one who offers time, skills, and assistance. We are the Lord’s Church, a church of the poor—all precious, all participants, each one bearing a unique word of God. Each one is a gift to others.”

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•