Everyone seemed to have a different reason for going. Weiksnar said for some it's a pilgrimage and deeply spiritual. For others it's the exercise and the community feel of a slow roll.
The Holy Roll will start at about 8:30pm Thursday at Ss. Columba-Brigid, 75 Hickory Street near Clinton. There will be a mass prior to that at 7pm. Next, they stop at St. Stan's on Peckham Street, then Corpus Christie on Clark Street, St. Adalbert's on Stanislaus Street. Following that, the tour continues to St. Luke's Mission of Mercy on Sycamore Street and St John Kanty on Broadway. There is one change this year because of construction. St Casimir's in Kaisertown has been canceled in favor of St. Katherine Drexel in Lovejoy. The tour will wind up back at Ss. Columba Brigid by about 11pm.
Fr. Weiksnar said some experienced riders will lead to tour and people won't get lost as long as they stay with the pack. Riders are reminded to have lights on their bikes. There will be people assigned to watch the bikes while the riders are inside the churches.
There is a 15 -20% chance of rain this year, but Weiksnar expects it will happen.
"I love the effort to showcase these beautiful churches," said Weiksnar. "After what happened at Notre Dame, I think we all have a greater appreciation for the churches right here".
Anyone with questions about the Holy Roll should email Fr Weiksnar: sscolumbabrigid@gmail.com
