Father Tadeusz Rozmus, a Polish Salesian priest, has served as pastor of the parish in Castel Gandolfo since 2021 and is celebrating 40 years of priesthood this year, as Rome Reports reported. Known affectionately as “Don Biker,” Father Rozmus dedicates a significant part of his ministry to engaging with the motorcycling community, using his profound passion for two-wheeled travel to connect with diverse groups.
His distinctive approach to ministry involves leveraging a shared interest in motorcycles to build relationships. Father Rozmus explained that when he encounters people, many initially perceive him as a fellow motorcyclist first, rather than immediately recognizing him as a priest. This initial connection, he noted, allows him to foster friendships with individuals from all walks of life, including those who may not identify as “official” believers. He emphasized the importance of this method for outreach. This strategy, according to Father Rozmus, directly reflects and implements Pope Francis’s directive that the Church should actively go "where the people are," rather than waiting for them to come to the churches. He views his motorcycle ministry as a tangible way to fulfill this call.
A recent manifestation of this outreach saw Father Rozmus gathering approximately one hundred motorcycle enthusiasts for a special Mass at his parish. Following the religious service, the large group of bikers proceeded to greet Pope Leo. The event underscored the inclusive nature of Father Rozmus's ministry, as many of the participants present were not Catholic. Afterward, the assembled bikers shared a communal lunch at the parish, further cementing the bonds formed through their shared interest.
Father Rozmus’s affinity for motorcycles is deeply rooted, having been present throughout his entire life. He recounted that he was “born a motorcyclist,” following in the footsteps of his father. His childhood was marked by a fervent passion for motorcycles; he even had a custom-built motorcycle made from spare parts, complete with fake license plates, and shared experiences with friends, including what he described as running from the police. This upbringing, he affirmed, meant he "grew up in the world of motorcycles," and he states plainly that for him, "motorcycles are my life."
His commitment to his biker community extends beyond local gatherings. Several times a year, Don Biker embarks on extensive motorcycle journeys, covering approximately 1,600 kilometers from his parish near Rome to his original hometown of Krakow, Poland. These long-distance trips are often undertaken in the company of his biker friends. Notably, during the period of the Jubilee of Hope, Father Rozmus and his fellow motorcyclists made a significant pilgrimage to the Vatican, where they had the distinct opportunity to greet Pope Leo for the first time as a group.
Prior to his pastoral assignment in Castel Gandolfo, which began in 2021, Father Rozmus held several other significant roles within the Salesian order. His distinguished career included serving as a provincial in Krakow, undertaking missionary work in distant lands such as Egypt and Uganda, and acting as the European representative on the Salesian General Council. For Don Biker, the motorcycle transcends mere transportation; it embodies a holistic way of life that provides unique avenues to connect with others, to engage in moments of prayer, and to consistently bear witness to his faith.