Royal Oak, MI. The 25th annual Woodward Dream Cruise happened last weekend, featuring thousands of classic cars, sports cars, motorcycles, and over one million visitors (the world’s largest cruise!). So SPSE set up a tent on “Catholic Corner” as it has in years past, right in front of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. We were certainly competing with the roar of muscle car engines, and the flashy sights of sports cars and chrome. But as Our Lord says: “…proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;” (2 Tim. 4:2). Ultimately a little inconvenience is nothing compared to having a soul return to God!
The following report comes from evangelist Randy with the Shrine/Royal Oak team:
We handed out hundreds of rosaries and medals, had many great conversations. It seems that visiting our booth has become a yearly tradition for some. Several people stopped by and mentioned they visit us every Dream Cruise, grab a rosary or medal, say hello, and listen to us share the Gospel. Hopefully, some of the seeds planted will eventually grow into a lively faith.
If SPSE were to give this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise a name or theme, it would be The Day of Reconciliation. We came across a gentleman that had not been to confession in 40 years. He was wearing a MAGA hat, and was reluctant at first to go to confession. Then I said, “Fr. John is here, we are going to “Make Your Soul Great Again”. And thank God, he (along with many others) received the Sacrament of Reconciliation today.
A few people remembered me from last year and were thankful that I suggested they go to confession. They asked if the priest were out again to hear confessions, and I let them know that there were indeed some priests ready to talk. I also kindly made them aware that you can go more often than once a year. Unfortunately, one of them said that confession wasn’t going to be part of her annual Dream Cruise celebration.