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Fifteenth year of Biker Blessing

| 25 Apr 2016 | 02:23
    Monsignor Robert Carroll, Father Bob, blesses the motorcycles and people at Our Lady of Fatima's 15th annual Biker Blessing.
    Monsignor Robert Carroll, Father Bob, blesses the motorcycles and people at Our Lady of Fatima's 15th annual Biker Blessing.
    American Legion Riders from Wayne, N.J., arrive at Our Lady of Fatima's 15th annual Biker Blessing.
    American Legion Riders from Wayne, N.J., arrive at Our Lady of Fatima's 15th annual Biker Blessing.
    The 15th annual Biker Blessing was held last Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church.
    The 15th annual Biker Blessing was held last Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church.
    Father Bob distributed Holy Communion to those who wished to receive it during a mass before the Biker Blessing.
    Father Bob distributed Holy Communion to those who wished to receive it during a mass before the Biker Blessing.
    Organizers of the Biker Blessing are, from the left, John Cawley, Monsignor Robert Carroll, Dave Gallaugher, Greg Petruska, and Bob Maggio, who is not in the photo. Gallaugher and Maggio were part of the driving force that established this annual event 15 years ago.
    Organizers of the Biker Blessing are, from the left, John Cawley, Monsignor Robert Carroll, Dave Gallaugher, Greg Petruska, and Bob Maggio, who is not in the photo. Gallaugher and Maggio were part of the driving force that established this annual event 15 years ago.
    Mister Cisco, an 11-year old Hungarian Vizsla, and his owner Bill Johanns of Highland Lakes arrived on their 2006 Ural Russian military motorcycle.
    Mister Cisco, an 11-year old Hungarian Vizsla, and his owner Bill Johanns of Highland Lakes arrived on their 2006 Ural Russian military motorcycle.

VERNON — “Let me be alert, courteous, patient, and considerate of the rights of others on the road.” This is part of the guidance that riders of motorcycles ask for in the Motorcycle Prayer. The prayer is read and distributed during the annual Biker Blessing at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church on Breakneck Road in Highland Lakes.
Last Sunday was the 15th year that the church held this event, which draws riders with their bikes from all areas of Northern New Jersey. Before administering a blessing to each bike and each person, Monsignor Robert Carroll, Father Bob, said a mass, distributed communion, and gave a brief sermon reflecting on the common concerns of personal and community well-being. Almost 80 riders arrived at the church to receive the blessing and to pray for a safe and joyful riding season.
— Photos by Chris Wyman