Blessing of the Bikes

Holy water, a priest, a cathedral and bikes?  What a great introduction to my new life in NYC. I joined the annual Blessing of the Bikes at Saint John the Divine Cathedral and found a welcoming, fun community.   

At 9:30am the cathedral doors opened and 400+ bikers rolled into the nave, reverently lining up. The priest opened with the environmental value of biking and noting that although bikers aren't welcome in all parts of NYC (including the biking lanes), they are always welcome at St John's.  

A short reading from Ezekiel and then a sprinkling of Holy Water on the congregation with the comments "may this be the only water that falls on you and your bike this year."  Bike bells sonorously fill the nave and then a honk by one joker  - we chuckle.  The names of 20 bikers killed in 2010 are read, followed by a solemn bike rolled down the aisle with bagpipes play Amazing Grace in the background, by bikers dressed in gear, of course.  A few final comments and then the ceremony is over.