The first Men’s Ride of Mercy was so successful last summer that organizers are already planning a bigger event for next year. Combining barbecues and motorcycles, after all, is an easy way to get men’s attention.
Sean Lynn, founder and president of God Squad Canada, which held its first annual Men’s Conference March 1998 in Calgary, said the idea’s genesis came after Pope Francis had declared a Year of Mercy and his hope that people would go out into the community and evangelize.
“So I thought it was an appropriate name,” said Lynn, explaining that the idea came about on a tour of Israel with international author and speaker Jeff Cavins. Both are avid bikers. They talked about their love of motorcycles and
voila the idea for the ride was born.
“We wanted to see if this was something that would get men’s attention or something they would like to do in fellowship with Catholics – to spread the good news. We had the barbecue trailer. We had Jeff’s theme. I was praying the novena at all the stops in honour of St. Joseph just to share some of the richness of our faith.”
The ride took place August 7 to 15th and covered eight locations and about 5,000 kilometres through Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montana and South Dakota. They stopped and spoke at churches on their journey.
They were joined by several men for different legs of the journey with 10+ riding one day.
