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Rev. Francis J. Samoylo has a book containing the official blessings for just about anything on the planet. Which blessing will he chose when his Cortlandt Manor church play host to the Blessing of the Autos and Car Show?
I tell everyone if they drive over 55 mph, the blessing wears off. Otherwise, it's good for 10 years or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, Samoylo jokes in his office at the St. Columbans Parish rectory.
This car show will be a first for Samoylo. During his decade of service in the clergy, he's never blessed a car before. With his giant book of blessings in hand though, he said he's looking forward to the event.
The car show is also a first time event. Rich Pepe came up with the idea as a means of supporting the charitable works of the relatively new local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. In only a year, they've accrued roughly 80 members said Samoylo, who is happy to offer his assistance with their event.
Samoylo came to the parish just over two years ago and took over for the Rev. Patrick Keenan, who remains pastor emeritus. He entered the priesthood in his 40s, after a lifetime of faith. He said he never felt a desire to marry and settle down and was for many years an avid pro-life supporter. His office contains pamphlets supporting the cause.
For the curious, Samoylo did look up the patron saint of automobiles: St. Frances of Rome. He also noted that St. Christopher is the patron of travelers.
Funny enough, said Samoylo, It turns out St. Columbanus, an Irish missionary for whom the parish named, was for some reason named the patron saint of motorcycles.
The inaugural Blessing of the Autos and Car Show will take place at St. Columbanus Church on June 4, from noon until 4 p.m. There will be refreshments, music, prizes and activities. Information about registering cars for the show is available on the Knights of Columbus website. Spectator fees are $5 for adults and free for children under 13.
"If everything goes well, I would really like to see this become a yearly event," Samoylo said.
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