On April 28, Father Dan Dury, pastor at Sunbury St. John Neumann Church, blessed a portion of Interstate 71 on the north side of Columbus between the Polaris Parkway and Gemini Place exits and U.S. 36/state Route 37.
The blessing was prompted by a significant number of accidents occurring at the section of highway, said Krissy Ciacchi, St. John Neumann’s communications manager, who originally suggested the idea.
“This was inspired by, I believe, the Holy Spirit for the many travelers, first responders and for tragedies that have taken place in this particular stretch of Interstate 71,” she said.
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Ciacchi and her family, who moved into a house near that part of the highway five years ago, have become accustomed to the frequent car accidents.
“The sound of sirens and the sight of highway traffic stopped by accidents have become all too familiar,” she said. “Our children know instinctively to pause and pray whenever they hear the sirens or notice traffic at a standstill.”
On April 11, a collision in the area involved nine vehicles and caused the deaths of two young parents and their year-old child. It was then that Ciacchi approached Father Dury and asked if he would be willing to bless the road.
“He did not hesitate for a moment,” she recalled.
Providentially, when the roadway authorities were contacted for permission, they responded with enthusiasm.
“(It) made the experience even more powerful (when) we reached out to the Ohio State Highway Patrol and ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation),” Ciacchi said. “(The) blessing was not only approved—they also said they thought it was a good idea. I found that incredibly moving.”
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Similarly, Father Dury expressed his gratitude for the Highway Patrol’s willingness to assist in the process.
“(They) were very amiable to the idea,” he said, “and we very much appreciate their accommodations.”
Once arrangements were made, Father Dury met with Lt. Robert Curry from the Highway Patrol. Wearing his priestly vestments and stationed on a bridge overlooking the highway, Father Dury invoked God’s favor upon the road.
“A blessing is a way to ask for God’s special protection and grace upon all who travel that area,” he said. “(It was) the first time I’ve ever blessed a highway, but it was something I thought would be comforting and indeed would bring a special care to those who travel it.”
Construction is currently underway on I-71’s U.S. 36/state Route 37 interchange to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety for travelers.
