A ride across the US for Catholic education

BELIZE

With prayer, pedals, and purpose, the Belize Lighthouse Ride is now in full motion, tracing a path across the United States to raise US$5 million to support Catholic education in Belize.

Led by Fr Greg Boyle and Fr Matt Ruhl SJ, the ride began in Maine on Tuesday, July 15, and will span coast to coast, ending in Santa Monica, California.

Prior to departure, Frs Boyle and Ruhl hosted a July 7 webinar where they shared their vision: “to raise funds that will improve underfunded infrastructure and deteriorating classrooms across Belize’s Catholic school system, ensuring children can learn in safe, welcoming environments,” reported local news source Breaking Belize News.

Several schools are in dire need, including: San Francisco de Geronimo RC Catholic School, Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Dangriga, Holy Ghost RC School in Dangriga (special education building) and San Luis Rey RC School in Toledo District.

But it’s not just priests powering the pedals. Two of the passionate riders are Jeff Chattin, a retired bicycle industry veteran from Bella Vista, Arkansas, who views the ride as both a personal milestone and a meaningful contribution.

“Cycling has always been key to my wellbeing… this is going to be my retirement party. What a great and important cause—to get these schools back to safe learning environments. When we finish our ride in Santa Monica, this story will continue in Belize,” Chattin said.

Tom Makarewicz, an endurance enthusiast and lifelong cyclist from St Louis, brings spiritual drive—and a harmonica.

“The Lighthouse Ride is a bucket list item I’ve dreamed about for years. I’m glad to test my mettle physically with Fr Matt Ruhl and new friends, and most importantly, to raise money for a great cause!”

In a moment of reflection, Fr Ruhl explained the objective: “Trying to raise five million dollars is a well-nigh impossible task. But we need not fear. Our faith teaches us that our God is Lord of the impossible.”

The local news source stated that the ride isn’t just a test of physical endurance; “it’s a journey of solidarity, uniting riders and supporters across borders in a shared commitment to faith, education, and community empowerment.”

The ride’s name is inspired by Baron Bliss Lighthouse in Belize City, a symbol of legacy and direction for the nation’s youth. It follows the Lighthouse Walks held on Valentine’s Day 2023, when families across Belize walked under the banner ‘Fall in Love with Your Catholic School’.

Donations will be used to: rebuild school infrastructure, sustain Catholic education for future generations, fund lunch programmes to support student nutrition and create safer, more positive spaces for children to thrive.