Father Larry Gearhart, pastor of the four Catholic parishes in Champaign County, presides over Blessing of the Aircraft at Grimes Field on Friday. Sponsored by the St. Mary’s Parish in Urbana, the event was held in honor of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of aviators, flying and studying, who died on Sept. 18, 1663.

Bagpipe players Eric Beverly (left) and Matt McCarty play during Blessing of the Aircraft on Friday.

The Grimes Flying Lab was on display during Blessing of the Aircraft on Friday at Grimes Field.

Father Larry Gearhart, pastor of the four Catholic parishes in Champaign County, presides over Blessing of the Aircraft at Grimes Field on Friday. Sponsored by the St. Mary’s Parish in Urbana, the event was held in honor of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of aviators, flying and studying, who died on Sept. 18, 1663.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/09/web1_gearhart.jpgFather Larry Gearhart, pastor of the four Catholic parishes in Champaign County, presides over Blessing of the Aircraft at Grimes Field on Friday. Sponsored by the St. Mary’s Parish in Urbana, the event was held in honor of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of aviators, flying and studying, who died on Sept. 18, 1663.

Bagpipe players Eric Beverly (left) and Matt McCarty play during Blessing of the Aircraft on Friday.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/09/web1_bagpipers1.jpgBagpipe players Eric Beverly (left) and Matt McCarty play during Blessing of the Aircraft on Friday.

The Grimes Flying Lab was on display during Blessing of the Aircraft on Friday at Grimes Field.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/09/web1_grimeslab.jpgThe Grimes Flying Lab was on display during Blessing of the Aircraft on Friday at Grimes Field.