PHILADELPHIA — Bishop Thomas John Paprocki ran his 22nd marathon on Nov. 20 by completing the Philadelphia Marathon. “That makes 22 marathons in 22 years,” said Bishop Paprocki.

Again this year Bishop Paprocki was running to raise funds for Catholic Charities Legal Services of Springfield (CCLS). Despite temperatures in the 40s and winds gusting up to 24 mph, Bishop Paprocki finished the marathon in 4:30:00, beating last year’s mark of 4:49:49 in the Springfield Marathon. “I am grateful for everyone’s prayers and support,” Bishop Paprocki said.

Marathon supporters have contributed more than $12,000 for the Lex Cordis Endowment Fund that helps support CCLS. The ministry, begun in 2013, assists people in the Springfield diocese with little to no income in obtaining pro bono legal services from a panel of local, volunteer attorneys. CCLS, which was spearheaded by Bishop Paprocki based on a model he created in Chicago, operates on the belief that regardless of a person's ability to pay, everyone has the right to competent legal counsel.

More information if available at www.dio.org/bishop/marathon to donate.