Once a Year, This Priest Shifts Gears

How often do you see priests in checkered-flag robes and vestments wandering a park grounds and saying prayers over hot rods? For Father Glenn Sequeira of the Holy Family Church of Glendale, it’s just another day at the annual Blessing of the Cars.

Question: What do you like about the show?

Answer: It’s fun, and it’s an opportunity to give a positive image of the church to people who might not normally be in a church. If you can help people think about God in the midst of their lives and their hobbies, then it’s a good thing. Also, I like looking at some of the cars--they’re beautiful.

Q: Are you a fan of old cars? What do you drive?

A: As priests, we are provided with a vehicle. We don’t get to choose it unless we want to buy our own--but I don’t have the money to do that. I have a ’99 Honda Accord, which I’m very happy with.

Q: What blessing do you perform?

A: When I do the blessing, I always try to have the family members be there and say, “God bless you.” I bless the people, those who own the vehicle and those who ride with them to keep them safe from any accident, any unnecessary repairs or any theft. So it’s both a blessing on the car and a blessing on the people.

Q: Have you formed any impressions of the people who come to the event year after year?

A: I get to meet a lot of different people. Some people really respond [to the blessing], others are just amused. But that’s OK, as long at it puts a positive image on Catholicism and Christianity and makes it so that priests are more approachable.