A record number of Catholic schools across England and Wales have signed up to take part in this year’s Big Lent Walk, organised by CAFOD, in what leaders are calling a powerful continuation of the momentum sparked by the recent Jubilee Year.
The annual fundraising initiative has seen a great sign of engagement, with schools embracing the challenge of walking 200km over 40 days. In the Luton and Dunstable area alone, all seven Catholic schools have committed to the walk, joined by 15 schools from the St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust. Together, an estimated 9,500 pupils and staff will take part. Over 1200 schools made the Jubilee Pledge, a long term, whole school commitment to stand in solidarity with our global family, particularly those in the world’s poorest communities, living out Catholic Social Teaching now and in the future.
The surge in engagement follows widespread praise from the Vatican for the “extraordinary contribution” made by Catholic schools during the 2025 Jubilee. In October, four students and their chaplains were invited to Rome for the Jubilee of the World of Education, where they experienced a memorable moment in St Peter’s Square as Pope Leo XIV personally blessed their Jubilee banner.
“The Jubilee for Schools work wasn’t just reflection, it was also action, and we’re seeing that in the number of schools signing up for this year’s Big Lent Walk.
“It means that today, hundreds of thousands of children and young people in England and Wales are making a positive difference in the world, with small acts of hope, working for justice, harmony, and peace, locally, nationally, and globally—for people and the earth.”
“This wasn’t just another campaign — it’s become a movement of faith in action. Schools have woven the Jubilee into their learning, their liturgy, and their community outreach, in joyful and imaginative ways, deeply rooted in Gospel values.”CAFOD Director, Christine Allen
“We’re proud and grateful to have played a part, through our resources, guidance and support alongside others, in helping schools live out their Jubilee Pledge so that children and young people can continue to be living signs of hope, reaching out to their communities and the global family, in a journey they will carry forward for years to come.”
Monica Conmee, Director of CAFOD Education
Catholic pupils confirmed how much their Jubilee learning had made them want to live out their faith, with one Primary school pupil saying: “The Jubilee helped me put my faith into action… it encouraged me to hope more than doubt.”
An estimated 50,000 pupils deepened their understanding of global debt and social justice, taking action to support vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, 600,000 Jubilee prayer cards were distributed to pupils and families, helping unite school communities in a shared journey of faith.
Students themselves have echoed this sentiment. One primary school pupil said: “The Jubilee helped me put my faith into action… it encouraged me to hope more than doubt.”
A newly released video compilation featuring hundreds of Catholic schoolchildren from across England and Wales has been published on CAFOD’s website, showcasing some of the standout moments from the Jubilee year. To watch the video, click here
As the Big Lent Walk gets underway, it is clear that the spirit of the Jubilee continues to resonate strongly—transforming reflection into action and inspiring a new generation to live out their faith in tangible, meaningful ways. To find out more, click here
