The blessing of cars, an annual tradition started by Msgr. Agnello Angelini back in 1933, a year after he became pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Columbus, got underway at 1 p.m. today.

Over the years, motorists from near and far have returned to have their cars blessed in conjunction with the feast of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.The unique tradition has drawn attention from major news services. It was the subject of a feature story in a London magazine.