Downtown church to dedicate permanent bicycle shrine
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor) on October 27th, 2009 at 10:45 am
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
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