Knights of Columbus take part in a Rosary ride

Knights of Columbus Council 4951’s first Rosary Ride was conducted on Aug. 16, 2016. Unbeknownst to the organizer Paul Murphy, a “rosary ride” has been done before. He came up with the idea when participating in other fundraiser/fun runs on his motorcycle. Little did he know that there had been a few other “rosary rides” in other states but none locally. 

The premise of the ride was to get riders together for a day of prayer and meditation from the seat of their motorcycles. The plan was to pray and meditate on a decade of the rosary at five locations on a motorcycle run around the area. Another ride was conducted this year on Aug. 16. 

“Since our parish priest rides motorcycle as well as some of our members, I thought it would be a good way to increase visibility, reach out to local parishes, and enjoy a great day,” said Paul Murphy, event coordinator. “As it turned out we were able to incorporate corporal and spiritual works into the trip in visiting the nursing home.” 

At Subway in Carrington, who helped sponsor the ride, riders from Carrington, Garrison, and Bismarck discussed how these rides could benefit the Church in the future. Overall, it was a positive experience for everyone involved. Two parishes provided snacks and beverages for the riders: St. Boniface, Esmond and Seven Dolors Mission, Fort Totten. 

The ride was planned for mid-August to coincide with the birth and death day of Knights of Columbus founder Fr. Michael McGiveny, as well as planning around the busy harvest season. Next year’s event will be on the Feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15, with a Mass planned so riders can attend.  

Anyone interested in taking the ride may also attend the Peace Garden Mass as a 4th degree honor guard the next day at the Peace Garden.