Gather ‘round

Blessing of the motorcycles is an annual event at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Highland Lakes. From left, Monsignor Robert Carroll, George and Liz Pearson of Barry Lakes, Bill Aquino of Barry Lakes, Linda Lee Bianco, Father Abuchi Nwosu, and James John Bianco of Lake Wanda. Excerpt from this year’s biker blessing prayer: “Oh God, I thank thee for the marvel of a motorcycle. Alive and powerful at the touch of my hands and feet, a thing of tremendous possibilities, wonderful or terrible. Help me to achieve the skill that will control it completely and wisely. Like a tool shaping a better life for me and those around me, I thank thee for the promise of adventure that is mine each time I start. The thrill of the open road, far places, strange sights, new neighboring. Make me aware as I drive the streets of my town, signaling, stopping, waiting, turning, and zooming ahead.”