MercyRide 2024 Proceeds Benefit Catholic Charities

On November 19, members of the Northern Virginia Region presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, recently invested as a conventual chaplain ad honorem in the Order, and Steven Carattini, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the diocese. This donation to Catholic Charities represents the first annual fundraising effort from the September 14th “MercyRide” to support various charities in the diocese.   

Along with veteran dames and knights in the Northern Virginia Region, members of the Class of 2025 spearheaded the organization of the sponsors, cyclists, donors, and volunteers for this first-ever “MercyRide,” raising money for “our lords, the sick and the poor.” This year’s donation to support the work of the Mother of Mercy free medical clinics aligns with the 900-year-old mission of the Order: to uphold human dignity and to care for people who are in need.  

This cycling event was conceived by Paul Nasto, KM, who saw an opportunity for the Northern Virginia Region to create a charitable event that would engage the public and grow larger every year.  He proposed that candidates for the Class of 2025, led by Michael Rampino, organize and lead the inaugural ride. “This is the first step in organizing a national event for all of the United States regions to provide funds to a Catholic charity of their choice, and, eventually, to show support for Holy Family Hospital,” he explained.