Spiritual witness on the road – Memories of Steps for Hope 5K 2025

By Anna-Maria Garcia-Brooks

Episcopal Delegate for Commissions

I’m more of a walker than a runner, and my motive for taking part in The Catholic News Steps for Hope 5K was certainly not rooted in athletic ambition, but in being part of something way bigger than myself–the prospect of Hope–hope for a better future; hope for doors to open for those who need them; hope for families to overcome the trauma and grief of loss; hope for young people struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts; hope that families would love and respect each other, treat each other with kindness and honesty; hope that leaders would lead with integrity and truly listen to the cries of the people.

My husband and I decided to walk and run together and keep pace with each other. We finished the race together, even though he could have gotten to the finish line in a fraction of the time that it took us to complete the course.

The experience turned out to be more than just a physical challenge; it became a spiritual awakening, a journey of connection with each other and with Christ, and a witness to the power of a Catholic community united in faith and action.

I felt uplifted and experienced a deep sense of joy looking at the families enjoying the activities; the children running the 1K and the pure euphoria they experienced crossing the finish line and receiving their medals.

Imagining a bird’s eye view of the runners around the Savannah filled me with a sense of pride and fulfilment because I knew that no-one was running this race for big monetary prizes. They were running for a bigger purpose. We were moving our bodies as well as our hearts.

The prize in this race was not for the medal at the end, but for hope for our beloved country. I ran behind young people who proudly wore tee-shirts with the names of their parishes printed on the back and encouraging messages on the front.

I made way for Fr Mikkel Trestrail who was running with confidence and a huge smile on his face; ran past fathers pushing their babies in strollers and mothers keeping pace with their children, urging them on. It was such a wonderfully fulfilling experience.

There were no individuals—only families–biological families, parish families, friends who were families, work families, people who became family on the day.

The sense of excitement of a people moving forward was powerful. It was a pilgrimage of perseverance, supported by grace and community. An opportunity to deepen my connection to my faith and to the mission of our Church, which transcends the finish line.

I experienced how physical activity could become spiritual witness. This was evangelisation in motion: visible joy, communal effort, and shared purpose rooted in Christ.

The Steps for Hope 5K was a ministry modelling what our Church is called to be—a living, breathing body that moves outward in love. It drew in people from parishes, communities, and all walks of life, regardless of where they stood in their faith journey; offering a welcoming space where faith could be lived through action, not just words.

In a world that often feels divided and hopeless, running this race reminded me that as Catholics we are called to be bearers of hope. We are not passive bystanders in this life—we are participants in the healing work of Christ. Whether walking, jogging, or encouraging from the sidelines, each of us has a role in bringing light to our communities. Our hearts ran faster than our feet, and God met us along the way.