Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2025. 6:39 pm CST.
Photo Credit: Belize Lighthouse Ride
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: With prayer, pedals, and purpose, the Belize Lighthouse Ride is now in full motion, tracing a path across the United States in an effort to raise US$5 million to support Catholic education in Belize. Led by Fr. Greg Boyle and Fr. Matt Ruhl, SJ, the ride began in Maine on Tuesday, July 15, and will span coast to coast, ending in Santa Monica, California.
The launch was marked by a message on social media:
“AND THEY’RE OFF!!! Our ride has officially begun! Please keep our riders in your prayers as their cross county journey has begun in Maine. Keep an eye out for our trailer on the road to Santa Monica, CA, and don’t forget to donate to our cause!!”
🖱️ Donate today – lighthouseridebelize.org
Prior to departure, Frs. Boyle and Ruhl hosted a July 7 webinar where they shared their vision: to raise funds that will improve underfunded infrastructure and deteriorating classrooms across Belize’s Catholic school system, ensuring children can learn in safe, welcoming environments.
Several schools are in dire need, including:
- San Francisco de Geronimo RC Catholic School
- Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Dangriga
- Holy Ghost RC School in Dangriga (Special Education Building)
- San Luis Rey RC School in Toledo District
But it’s not just priests powering the pedals — meet two of the passionate riders:
Jeff Chattin, a retired bicycle industry veteran from Bella Vista, Arkansas, views the ride as both a personal milestone and a meaningful contribution.
“Cycling has always been key to my wellbeing… this is going to be my retirement party. What a great and important cause—to get these schools back to safe learning environments. When we finish our ride in Santa Monica, this story will continue in Belize.”
Tom Makarewicz, an endurance enthusiast and lifelong cyclist from St. Louis, brings spiritual drive—and a harmonica.
“The Lighthouse Ride is a bucket list item I’ve dreamed about for years. I’m glad to test my mettle physically with Matt Ruhl and new friends, and most importantly, to raise money for a great cause!”
In a moment of reflection, Fr. Matt Ruhl explained the objective:
“Trying to raise five million dollars is a well-nigh impossible task. But we need not fear. Our Faith teaches us that our God is Lord of the impossible.”
The ride isn’t just a test of physical endurance; it’s a journey of solidarity, uniting riders and supporters across borders in a shared commitment to faith, education, and community empowerment.
The ride’s name is inspired by Baron Bliss Lighthouse in Belize City, a symbol of legacy and direction for the nation’s youth. It follows the Lighthouse Walks held on Valentine’s Day 2023, when families across Belize walked under the banner “Fall in Love with Your Catholic School”.
Donations will be used to:
- Rebuild school infrastructure
- Sustain Catholic education for future generations
- Fund lunch programs to support student nutrition
- Create safer, more positive spaces for children to thrive
The Cycling Federation of Belize supports the Belize Lighthouse Ride.
The Cycling Federation of Belize supports the Belize Lighthouse Ride.
“If you see this team across the US, we ask your support for the youths of Belize through Education. Thanks Father Matt 
” the CFB said in a social media post on Tuesday, July 15.
📍Follow the riders and track their progress via the Belize Lighthouse Ride Facebook Page. Every mile brings Belize closer to brighter classrooms and stronger communities.
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