Ruadhán Jones
Fr Gerard Geraghty of Augrim and Kilconnell, Galway and Rev. John Godfrey of Aughrim and Creagh make headway on his 3km ‘Prayer Run’ for support of the local parish.
Photo: Gerry Stronge A Catholic priest and a Church of Ireland minister have joined forces in East Galway for a daily 3km prayer run for their parishes’ spiritual and financial wellbeing. Fr Gerard Geraghty of Aughrim and Kilconnell and Rev. John Godfrey of Aughrim and Creagh have committed to running every day while churches are closed.
“John came up with the idea and we discussed it,” said Fr Geraghty to The Irish Catholic. “Because of the lockdown and distancing, we’re not meeting with parishioners that much. We decided that since the churches are closed and we both exercise that it might be an idea to combine prayer with exercise.
“At the beginning of a 3k run, we take a verse from the Bible and just mention it as we begin our run and see where it takes us.”
Fr Geraghty said there has been a good response from the local community.
“It’s very encouraging. John and I would run on the road – people honk their horns just to say hello,” said Fr Geraghty. “That’s nice, it’s encouraging and its comforting.”
The two priests have organised a Go Fund Me page for those who may wish to donate, at gofundme.com ‘3K a Day to Pray – Aughrim & Creagh Parish Unions’ or ‘3K a Day to Pray – Aughrim & Kilconnell RC Parish’.