More schools have signed up for CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk this year than ever before, in a wave of enthusiasm by Catholic young people that comes hot on the heels of an extraordinary response to the Jubilee Year.

More than 760 schools nationwide, including more than a hundred in Liverpool diocese are taking part in the charity’s annual nationwide fundraising challenge, walking 200km over 40 days.  In addition, over 1,000 schools have committed to keep living out their Jubilee pledge as Pilgrims of Hope.

Catholic schools across England and Wales were praised by the Vatican for their extraordinary contribution to the 2025 Jubilee.  In October, four students and their chaplains were invited to attend the Jubilee of the World of Education in Rome, including a memorable moment in St Peter’s Square, when Pope Leo walked by and blessed the banner they were holding aloft.  

A video compilation has recently been uploaded to CAFOD’s website, featuring children from Great Crosby Catholic Primary School and St Bartholomew’s Catholic Primary School, Rainhill, showing some of the best highlights from the year.  

CAFOD Director, Christine Allen said: “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.”

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.”

Monica Conmee, Director of CAFOD Education said, “We’re proud and grateful to have played a part alongside others, through our resources, guidance and support, 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.”