For 46 years, motorists from far and wide have traveled to Nesquehoning annually to have the Rev. Msgr. Agnello Angelini bless their cars, but this year he plans a new twist.

Citing the current gas crunch, “I’m going to add a prayer after the blessing that those who come have enough gas to get home,” Angelini, 79, said. “You know, to give them heavenly assurance.”

Beginning Sunday and lasting for a week, motorists will park around the life-sized statue of St. Christopher outside Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church to receive the priest’s blessing.

Last year, 300 cars from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware and Connecticut were blessed.