St. Stephen’s Church in downtown Portland wants to create a place to “remember those who use bicycles as transportation, and to remember those who have died while cycling.” Next week, they’ll dedicate the Madonna del Ghisallo Portland Bicycle Shrine.
Madonna del Ghisallo was originally the patroness of vulnerable travelers. In 1949, she was recognized as a patroness of cyclists and a shrine currently exists today in Lake Como, Italy, the town where her apparition was first witnessed.
Father Dennis Parker from St. Stephens (he’s also chaplain at Portland State University) will preside over a dedication ceremony and unveiling of a painting on All Souls Day, November 2nd.
In a statement from the church, parish president Mic Fleming said,
“We live in a diverse community. God loves everyone, and wants us to feel safe in our daily travels. We are trying to provide a place for blessings and remembrance. Most of us have lost someone to a bicycle accident, we hope this will give people a physical place for remembering them.”
St. Stephens emphasizes that everyone is invited to the blessing and dedication event, regardless of religious affiliation:
- Dedication of Madonna del Ghisallo Portland Bicycle Shrine
St. Stephens Episcopal Parish (SW 13th and Clay)
November 2nd, 5:30pm
The Bike Temple will be organizing a ride/event around this. Details should be up on our site in the next couple days!
BOS-SOME! (patient pending)
I really hope people don’t bank on some mythological figure to watch over them on the roads. But, whatever.
i agree peejay, that’s why i’m glad to know xenu is watching over us.
I’ve had a St. Christophers medallion – Patron Saint of Travellers – glued to my commute bike stem the last few years. Haven’t gotten run over yet. Doesn’t seem to help out with the flats though.
Nice gesture St. Stephens.
That is a nice positive gesture. It should be appreciated by all
I just want to point out that earlier this summer, I played harp there during the Joy of Sects II ride and mentioned that a few cyclists might show up and explained about the Bike Temple, what we do, etc.
They cleared out their basement in anticipation of even a vague “might” and were totally stoked about the fact that I arrived on bike, many parishioners coming out after the service to check out my trailer.
These people have become awesomely supportive of the bike scene here. They’re love for the community has really become apparent to me over this summer!
I love it!
Even Saints now have facebook pages in these modern days…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madonna-del-Ghisallo/52237182098
…though not one bike pic. ;-(
I like cycling and free thinkers. Have met a couple of St. Stephens clergy. Pretty hip. Seems to me they’re supporting a cyclist’s right to safe passage regardless of belief. They marched in the Pride Parade.
Give ’em that.
Bike Temple is hosting a ride to the dedication.
We’ll be meeting at the Bike Temple (NE 9th and Going) to ride to the dedication —
meet at 4:00 pm to pay alms to our own painting of The Madonna, have light communion, then leave at 4:30 to ride downtown.
Yours in The Faith,
Pasture Ted
The bicycle shrine dedication ceremony was an uplifting experience. The more bicycle safety awareness we can bring, the safer the roads become. I was fortunate to be an invited guest by Mic and Father Parker. I performed before and after the ceremony on with my bagpipes. There was also a harp player as well.