Indiana Friar Offers A Faith-Based Form Of Travelers’ Insurance

May 21--TERRE HAUTE -- Members of a local parish hope to have angels driving alongside them this summer.

Friar Mark Weaver waved the cars toward him, facing a line of vehicles moving through the roped-off area of South Fifth Street between Ohio and Walnut streets, across from St. Joseph University Parish. The 9 a.m. mass was complete, and in addition to blessing the souls who participated inside, this Sunday the clergy offered to wash down parishioners' cars in prayer as well.

"We're going to have a blessing of cars for people who are going on vacation," Weaver said, explaining the church used to do this decades ago during summer months. This year, friars will perform the ceremony the third Sunday of May, June, July and August, after the morning mass. "They'll definitely get better miles per gallon," he joked.

Parishioner Jane Rink was among those lined up for the offer. With an angel hanging from her rear-view mirror, she said her family has a new driver and they need all the blessing they can get.

"I don't believe they've done this before, but it's very nice," she said, adding it always feels safer when a blessing is offered.

In addition to a prayer for those inside the car, and those who might ride later, Weaver doused the vehicle with holy water, and asked that all involved be protected from accidents.

Mike and Rosemary O'Conner said it's a terrific idea.

"I think it's great," Mike said, explaining the couple was visiting in Terre Haute for a wedding. After church, they were headed home to St. Louis, and were glad to have a blessing before hitting the interstate.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or [email protected].

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