Running for a mission: faith and solidarity in the Father Marcelino race

A memory that continues to bear fruit

Each year, the Father Marcelino Memorial Popular Race is more than just a sporting event. It is, above all, a living way to keep the testimony of a devoted life present. In its 20th edition, the participation of the young friars from the Convent of Our Lady of Good Counsel has once again demonstrated that memory, when authentic, becomes a missionary impulse.

Following the example of Father Marcelino—a devoted life that continues to generate fruit—the race becomes a space where faith and commitment meet in motion.

A faith that becomes visible in life

The presence of the young friars was not limited to participating in the race. Their involvement was also a concrete gesture of evangelization: being present, accompanying, and sharing through closeness.

In a context such as this, testimony does not involve grand speeches, but rather a simple and meaningful presence: running alongside others, encouraging, dialoguing, and showing that faith can inhabit all spaces of daily life.

In this way, sport becomes a language, and the community a visible sign of a Church that walks with the people.

Running for others: a mission that transforms

The 20th edition of the race also had a strong focus on solidarity. Through their participation, the runners contributed to the project promoted by ARCORES: “Building a future in Makaiba: a new school in Sierra Leone”.

This project reflects the commitment of the Augustinian Recollect family to the most vulnerable, reminding us that every gesture—even running—can become a concrete way to transform realities.

Thus, the race does not end at the finish line. It continues in every life that will be touched by this solidarity initiative. It continues in every community that grows thanks to shared commitment.

Because, in the end, running can also be a way of loving.