Press Release: Blessing of the Bikes

This just in from Archdiocese of Portland’s Department of Evangelization…

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Deacon Thomas Gornick
(503) 233-8335
tgornick [at] archdpdx [dot] org

Blessing of the Bikes

The Parish Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (St. Mary’s) and the Archdiocese of Portland’s Department of Evangelization announce the Blessing of the Bikes, on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2 PM in the courtyard of the Cathedral school.

The parish, which is located at the corner of NW 18th and Couch in the heart of Northwest Portland and bordered by the Everett Street bike lane, values and raises up the contribution that cyclists make to the community and environment. Portland biking is the platinum standard, and the cyclists bring a special life to our neighborhood and city whether they ride for recreation, commuting or competition. The Cathedral parish will welcome everyone to celebrate and recognize our biking community. In addition, the service will pray for those injured and will especially remember those who have died in bike accidents in 2007. “Cyclists are members of the parish and staff,” says Father George Wolf, Pastor of the Cathedral, “many of our neighbors regularly ride by our church. We invite everyone to bring their bikes and celebrate the many miles ridden each day.”

“The Catholic community has a long tradition of recognizing the cyclist and remembering those injured and killed in accidents” said Deacon Thomas Gornick, Director of Evangelization for the Archdiocese and bike commuter. On October 13, 1949, Pope Pius XII formally named Our Lady of Ghisallo as the patroness of cyclists.

The chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Ghisallo is located at the top of a steep hill in the Lake Como region of Italy. An eternal flame burns at the chapel in memory of those cyclists who have died.

Blessing of the Bikes
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
(St. Mary’s)
NW 18th and Couch
Sunday – June 8, 2008
2-2:30 PM (Rain or Shine)

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