By Joseph Yekulis
The Catholic Times
CHELSEA — After setting record temperatures in Michigan during March, many motorcyclists already have taken the wraps off their bikes to hit the road and enjoy the early spring.
For riders of faith however, there’s one thing they haven’t had yet and that’s a formal blessing from our local clergy to invoke God’s grace for a safe riding season.
That of course, is the reason the priests of the Servants of Charity have agreed to host the sixth annual Blessing of the Bikes at St. Louis Center on Sunday, April 29.
Not only does it provide for a special blessing from Fr. Enzo Addari for everyone who attends, but it also provides a destination for motorcycle riders to go where they can have some fun in a “family friendly” environment; then take a ride throughout the beautiful Waterloo Recreation Area.
Sheila Fitzgibbons of Jackson, is a co-chair of the event along with her husband, Richard Ellison.
“As riders ourselves, we started this event to raise awareness for St. Louis Center and to help them make a little bit of money in the process. We know that as these events grow, some in the state can have several hundred bikers in attendance and that’s what we’re hoping for someday,” said Fitzgibbons.
The St. Louis Center, 16195 W. Old U.S. 12, is five miles west of Chelsea. The blessing is at 1:30 p.m. Classic-rock band Massasagua will provide entertainment, food will be available to purchase and there will be prize drawings and other contests throughout the afternoon. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the event ends at 3 p.m.
St. Louis Center is a residential care facility for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has been run by the Servants of Charity for the past 52 years. For more information, visit www.stlouiscenter.org and click on the events page, or call (734) 475-8430.