An annual Friends of the Poor Walk was held Saturday morning, September 28 in Manhattan from St. Patrick’s Cathedral northbound to St. Ignatius Loyola Church, to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless and families living in poverty. 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) of the Archdiocese of New York organized the event. An estimated 75 people from about 10 parishes participated in the walk, which occurred the day after the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. The local event was also in connection with the national 17th annual SVDP Friends of the Poor Walk, with similar walks taking place in other regions of the U.S. 

Organizers described the event as “a heartfelt community event dedicated to aiding those facing economic struggles” and invited participants to “walk alongside us as we raise awareness and funds to support individuals and families in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference through solidarity and compassion…Every step counts in our mission to alleviate poverty and provide essential resources to those who need it most.” 

Leading up to the walk, walkers were encouraged to make a personal donation and collect pledges from supporters. All online pledges go directly to the SVDP Council or conference chosen by the walker. According to the event description, “asking for pledges is a great way to spread awareness of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission and values.”    

Participants walked with an event banner and placards up Fifth Avenue, turned at East 83rd Street to Park Avenue, and entered St. Ignatius Loyola Church from Wallace Hall. They prayed outside the cathedral and during the walk. A noon Mass was celebrated at St. Ignatius (Park Avenue at East 84th Street), with a light lunch was served after Mass.                      

“In keeping with the spirit of servants to the poor, the lunch (included) simple sandwiches and sides. Water was available as soon as walkers arrived at St. Ignatius…It is a critical event to raise awareness of God’s most vulnerable people, and so that we may find others along the way who can help,” Antonia Cipollone, an event organizer, told The Good Newsroom. 

“Despite the gloomy weather (misty, some drizzle), the Friends of Poor Walk was a beautiful event for all those involved. After the walk, we all gathered together to celebrate Mass with Father Mark Hallinan, spiritual advisor of the (SVDP) Saint Lawrence O’Toole Conference at Saint Ignatius Loyola…Truly, a wonderful experience. Father Hallinan led us in prayer in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and he walked with us in prayer,” Cipollone added.  

One of the walkers was Gabriella Sacci Adickes, who said, “This brings a lot of awareness to the plight of the needy – it brings it to the forefront.” Sacci Adickes is a parishioner of the Church of St. Paul the Apostle near Columbus Circle in Manhattan.  

Lisa Petrucco, another participant, said she took part in the walk because “it’s a great way for us to get together as Vincentians and raise awareness; basically, our three pillars are friendship, service, and spirituality.” Petrucco is a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church on East 14th Street in Manhattan.    

Organizers said further donations can be made on the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (SVDP) national website under Friends of the Poor NY.