SHARE THE JOURNEY    Walk with us around the world

This is Pope Francis invitation to Roman Catholics to share the journey of migrants and refugees who have fled their homeland to seek for a safe refuge for themselves and their family. The event was ecumenical in outreach and ASHA was pleased to join Walk which started from the Church of the Sacred Heart in Hanley to the City Central Mosque, St Mark’s Sanctus and the Asha Centre.

The ‘journey’ was organised by Phil Mayland and led by Bishop David McGough   joined by Gareth Snell and on the return to the Sacred Heart, Councillor Amjid Wazir. There were 34 walkers and Phil estimated that collectively they walked 40.8 miles. At various pauses along the way Phil read short stories of a refugee’s journey.

Several years ago the Bishop was instrumental in obtaining a grant of £500 for Asha and it was good to have an opportunity to thank him personally but, alas, there are no funds which would allow Bishop David to offer another donation.

At Asha the walkers were welcomed by Mums and children enjoying the Saturday clubs who downed tools and provided refreshments. There were further refreshments of Medjoul dates and orange juice at the Mosque on the return journey.  It was especially appreciated that the mosque had opened up on the first day of Eid to greet the walkers.