The parish of St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Archdiocese of Portland’s Department of Evangelization announce the second “Blessing of the Bikes,” on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 2 PM in the courtyard of the Cathedral. The parish is located at the corner of NW 18th and Couch Street in the heart of Northwest Portland, and is bordered by the Everett Street bike lane. The parish values and raises up the contribution that cyclists make to the community and for the 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. Since Blessing event in 2008, Portland has had two fatal accidents – Mr. Cary Bernick and Mr. Sandy E. Bass. The Blessing service will pray for Mr. Bernick, Mr. Bass and for all those injured while cycling in our city. “Cyclists are members of the parish and staff,” says Father George Wolf, Pastor of the Cathedral, “and the Bike lanes on 18th Avenue and Everett Street direct many cyclist pass our Cathedral. We invite everyone to bring their bikes and celebrate the many miles ridden each day.”
The first Portland Bike Blessing was held in June 2008 with over fifty cyclists attending. The gathering included members of the family of cyclist who died the previous year, leaders from the cycling community including Mr. Jonathan Maus of BikePortland.org and officers from the Portland Bureau of Police.
“The Catholic community has a long tradition of recognizing the cyclist” 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.
All cyclists are invited to attend the Blessing of the Bikes, Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Blessing of the Bikes
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
(St. Mary’s)
NW 18th and Couch
Sunday – June 7, 2009
2-2:30 PM (Rain or Shine)
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