A devout Catholic and the first African American to row across any ocean on his fourth attempt, Mr. Don Victor Mooney of Flushing, Queens recalls the Pontiff saying, “my son, keep fighting”, on World AIDS Day after the General Audience on December 1, 2021.

“When our family gestured to kneel in his presence, Papa said no, please sit. His humble nature overwhelmed us all”, said, Don Victor Mooney.