On two wheels for healing

By Andoni Biurrarena - Archdiocese of Miami

Photography: ANDONI BIURRARENA | FC

 

DORAL | For the 14th year in a row, Archbishop Thomas Wenski led the Archbishop’s Motorcycle Ride, a fundraising event supporting St. Luke’s Addiction Recovery Center, a Catholic Charities program that provides specialized, faith-based treatment services for adults struggling with alcohol, drug addiction and mental health challenges. 

“St. Luke’s is a great program, very dear to me. It helps people. Every year, many Knight Riders come up to me and tell me St. Luke’s saved their lives,” said Archbishop Wenski before the event, which took place on January 25, 2026, and began with a Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Doral before the ride.  

This year, the event raised more than $20,000, a number that surpassed last year’s total thanks to sponsors and donations from participants. The number of participants also surpassed last year’s total, with 485 riders. 

The ride brought together riders from across South Florida in support of St. Luke’s and was held in January to coincide with National Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month. 

This year’s event featured a new route and brought together riders for a scenic journey through South Florida. Archbishop Wenski led the 51.5-mile ride, from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to St. Justin Martyr Church in Key Largo in a vehicle instead of his motorcycle after being sidelined by a recent injury.  

Following the Mass celebrated by the archbishop, the blessing of the riders and their motorcycles took place. Participants departed promptly at 10 a.m. The event concluded with live music, entertainment, food, and prizes.  

The motorcyclists who participated, each donated a minimum of $25 per bike.  

While the event is not primarily a major fundraiser, its main purpose is to raise awareness about St. Luke’s Center and the struggles faced by individuals battling addiction. “The motorcycle ride is important. It doesn’t generate a lot of money, but it brings awareness to St. Luke’s and its mission,” Archbishop Wenski said.

  

St. Luke’s Center: More Than 50 Years of Healing and Recovery

Manuel Baldino, a current resident at St. Luke’s Center, is in the program for the second time. This time, he entered voluntarily, determined to rebuild his life.  

Through the program, Manuel has been able to leave the streets, secure temporary housing, address his substance use disorder, and find employment.  

“I was homeless,” Manuel said. “They helped me find a job and gave me therapy for substance abuse and mental health. Now I’m rebuilding my life.” 

St. Luke’s Center is a Catholic Charities program of the Archdiocese of Miami dedicated to addiction recovery and mental health treatment. For more than 50 years, the center has provided effective, affordable and professional care.

The residential facility serves between 35 and 45 residents and the program offers clinical assessments, outpatient services, and short-term residential treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.   

Beyond treatment, St. Luke’s Center focuses on long-term recovery and reintegration into society.   

Participants receive job training, mentorship, and access to job fairs to help them secure sustainable employment and rebuild stable lives. Support groups and family-based recovery programs are also key components of the center’s holistic approach.

Treatment programs last a minimum of 30 days and may extend longer depending on individual progress. The center primarily serves low-income individuals, operating largely through donations and offering services at a minimal cost to participants.

The program is affordable, and residents only pay $3 a day, which is a donation. If they don't have the resources, they do not have to pay.

“Everyone is accepted, and they stay with us until they are ready,” said Sandra Valdés, senior director of Behavioral Health Services for Catholic Charities.

From July 2024 to June 2025, a total of 131 individuals completed residential and outpatient treatment services at St. Luke’s Center. Of those participants, 71 percent successfully completed the program. Residential patients stayed an average of 76 days, while outpatient participants remained in treatment for an average of 12 weeks.

According to Gerardo Álvarez, program leaders report long-term success rates. “Between 60 and 70 percent, with many participants returning to stable employment and independent living” he said.

 

Knights on Bikes Florida Bring Faith and Service to the Archbishop’s Ride

The Archbishop’s Motorcycle Ride received strong support from Knights on Bikes Florida, a Catholic ministry dedicated to serving the Church while promoting fellowship and evangelization.

George Gutierrez, president of Knights on Bikes Florida and a member of the Knights of Columbus, has participated in the ride since its inception.

“I started riding before I officially joined the Knights on Bikes. The first time I heard about this event, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” Gutierrez said. “I was on the very first ride and haven’t missed one since. I’ve been riding with the Archbishop ever since he launched this event.” 

“We ride to serve,” Gutierrez said. “We help with Church events, festivals, and any parish activity where support is needed.”

Gutierrez emphasized the strong connection between the group and the Archbishop’s Motorcycle Ride, noting that Archbishop Wenski serves as the worldwide chaplain for Knights on Bikes and is an honorary member of the organization.

“St. Luke’s Center is a very important program for all of us,” Gutierrez said. “Whether because we want to help or because some members have been personally impacted by addiction recovery, this mission matters. When the Archbishop rides, we show up.”

The annual event draws riders from across Florida and includes clergy participation. Among those riding this year were Father Matthew Gomez, dean of the propaedeutic program at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, and Father Julio de Jesús, pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Miramar.

Both priests highlighted that the event serves not only as a fundraiser and awareness campaign for St. Luke’s Center, but also as an opportunity for evangelization.

“We do this for fun, but also as a pastoral mission,” Father Gomez said. “When we ride, we carry the Vatican flag and the cross. It’s a way to witness our faith,” he added.

The Archbishop’s Passion for Riding

Archbishop Wenski did not ride this year after suffering injuries in an accident earlier this month while horseback riding.  

“A few weeks ago, I rode up to Ocala on my motorcycle, went horseback riding, and fell off,” Archbishop Wenski said.   

The archbishop began riding motorcycles as a hobby that has since become a personal passion.  “I started riding motorcycles when I was 50 years old,” he said.

“It’s a great pastime. It’s a great way to clear my mind. I checked my odometer last year, and since April 2024 I’ve logged about 7,000 miles — riding to the Keys several times, Orlando a couple of times, Tampa, and St. Augustine. I really enjoy riding.”  

That love of motorcycles eventually inspired the creation of the Archbishop’s Motorcycle Ride to support St. Luke’s Center 14 years ago.  

Although he was unable to ride this year, the archbishop said, “I hope to ride again and continue leading this project.”  

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• NEED HELP Do you or someone you love struggle with drug or alcohol addiction? Call 305-795-0077 and dial Ext. 124.