Six months ago, the Archdiocese of Liverpool appointed Pablo Guidi into a new post of Catholic Social Action Coordinator.

The role was created following the launch of the pastoral plan as it identified the need to respond to the call of the Synod to place inclusivity, justice and peace, the poor, marginalised and the environment at the forefront of the life of the Church.

We speak to Pablo to find out what he has been up to since he started his role and his upcoming plans for the archdiocese.

Journey to the archdiocese

Pablo thanks his upbringing for taking a big interest in social action. He said: “My dad is Argentinian (he actually grew up in the same neighbourhood as Pope Francis) and he later became a Methodist minister.

“Through my dad’s experiences and links to the community as a minister, I was naturally immersed into social action from a young age.”

Before joining the archdiocese, Pablo worked in refugee and immigration law, in a Ugandan refugee camp with his wife Clare before returning back to Liverpool where he took up a post as director of social justice for a charity.

Pablo said: “When I heard about the role at the archdiocese, I thought it sounded so exciting. For the past 15 years I have worked for a non-faith based organisation and I wanted to incorporate more of my faith into my work.

“With the recent launch of the Pastoral Plan, it was a new chapter for the Church and a great time to join.”

Achievements so far

Since starting his new role, Pablo has been meeting with a wide range of people and groups throughout the archdiocese to find out more about what is happening with social action.

Reflecting on his time here, Pablo outlines his key achievements so far. He said: “The top things that spring to mind since my time here is delivering train the trainer sessions on care for creation. We upskilled 15 leaders so they can then train their own parishes to take up environmental action.

“Another highlight is seeing our parish centres run the warm and cosy hubs to offer a safe space for people to meet, socialise and keep warm. One centre I have been working closely with is Mount Carmel in Liverpool who have been doing good work in the local community hosting groups for refugees, those with disabilities and elderly people.

“Finally, it has been wonderful to work with St Vincent de Paul Church in Liverpool. They were running a foodbank with Micah but wanted to extend their welcome to people who come in and collect the parcels. They now offer tea, coffee and also a clothes stall for those visiting to make it more sociable and welcoming for them.”

What’s next?

There is a lot on the horizon for Pablo with monthly events in the diary until the summer. He added: “At the end of March will be hosting a refugee and asylum support network event, followed by a cost of living event on 26 April for those who are running warm hubs or who may work or volunteer at a foodbank.

“In May I will be coordinating an environment networking and support event and then on Thursday 6 July at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre we will be hosting a social action conference. The day will include workshops and talks from guest speakers who will be covering a variety of topics including foodbanks, asylum seekers and refugees and the environment.

“It is set to be a really informative event and I hope people across the archdiocese who share our values and work or volunteer in the sector can come and join us.”

Keep posted for the latest details on the events here: Events - What’s on (liverpoolcatholic.org.uk)

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Pablo's plan for Catholic social action for 2023 and beyond can be viewed here:

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