Biking Bonanza

Pray. Pedal. Replenish. Repeat. This was the rhythm of the 2024 Ride for Vocations that took place in Southern Maryland on Saturday, September 28th. Priests, seminarians, and laity cycled distances ranging from 21 to 100 miles to support priestly vocations in the Archdiocese of Washington. Riders supported vocations through their prayers and sacrifice, especially the comfort of their legs. In turn, riders were supported by generous individuals who prayed, donated, and ran the event. Many volunteers organized the ride, supplied a great slew of amazing food and drinks at different Catholic Churches along the route, and even provided roadside assistance for bike malfunctions. Everyone played a significant role, and the widespread community deserves a lot of thanks for putting together this excellent event.

This year was my first attempt at a century. And something about reaching triple-digit miles was both daunting and exhilarating. Before beginning our physical journey, we gathered as a community to be nourished spiritually through the Mass. This well-attended early morning mass at Sacred Heart Church in La Plata was a great reminder that our strength is the Eucharist. There were a lot of familiar faces. Not only did I recognize the parochial vicars and many of the parishioners from Sacred Heart where I had been assigned for the summer; but I also got to reconnect with Fr. Mark Ivany, the Archdiocese of Washington vocation director, as well as with the parochial vicar and parishioners from my home parish of St. John Neumann, and seminarians from Mount St. Mary’s. The noticeable family atmosphere established a very positive tone.

Besides rekindling old relationships, the ride also forged stronger bonds among fellow riders. I connected much deeper with two fellow seminarians, Martin and Jordan, who trudged with me through most of the 100-mile, 9-hour biking bonanza. I was very impressed with both of them. Martin had decided – mid-ride – to attempt the full century after missing the turn for the 50-mile course, and Jordan had not seriously ridden a bike since the summer. We decided to stick together. We encouraged each other, helped each other fix flat tires, prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, and, eventually, finished the full hundred miles home to La Plata. The Ride for Vocations was an interesting mix of pleasure and pain. Parts of the ride were smooth and scenic; others were arduous and monotonous. There were moments of respite and community and moments of fatigue and isolation. 

The ride, moreover, parallels the spiritual life. Prayer can be pleasant and easy or uncomfortable and challenging. Following Christ requires discipline, self-denial, and support from various places. We need directors to show us the way, the sacraments to fuel our every need and repair our moral break-downs, and a strong ecclesial community to help us discover our mission. Paradoxically, the journey to Heaven – where none of us has been before – is a journey home. And once we find this home, we’ll never be lost again.

Reid Robilotto is a Pre-Theology I Seminarian for the Archdiocese of Washington