Having recovered from COVID-19, New Orleans Catholic Archbishop Gregory Aymond will take to the sky to deliver a Good Friday blessing to the diocese.
The ride comes courtesy of the Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, which will also give a lift this Passover to local Rabbi Alexis Erdheim with Gates of Prayer Synagogue.
"It is a privilege to fly over our city, and as a sign of our faith in Almighty God to ask for His blessing and protection," Aymond said. "And we continue to ask for prayers for our health care workers, our leaders, those who are sick, and those who have died."
Aymond flies at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow in the vintage Boeing PT-17 Stearman biplane. Rabbi Erdheim makes her hop at noon.
"We are a community that is blessed with a diversity of beliefs, cultures, backgrounds, and religions," said Rabbi Erdheim. "No matter how different we may all be, we in New Orleans know that when our backs are against the wall, we are strongest when we are together."
"We came up with the idea for the Spirit Flight because this is such an important spiritual week for the world, and for a city and people who have gone through so much, we thought it was something that may bring some joy to people who really need it," said Big Easy Wing Leader David Capo. "We have asked a few other religious and community leaders to participate in Spirit Flight, and will likely be doing more in the future."
The flight (weather permitting) will depart from Lakefront Airport and zigzag across the region from Kenner to St. Bernard Parish, and over both sides of the river. At an altitude of 1,000 feet, the plane should be easy to spot with its bright yellow wings.