Blessings for the high road

WARWICK — On Saturday, April 20, at noon, the Rev. Angelo Micciulla, parochial vicar at Warwick’s Roman Catholic Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr, will lead a large formation of motorcycle enthusiasts on a 60 to 70 mile ride through local country roads.

Just before the ride and after a short service, Pastor Rev. Michael McLoughlin and Micciulla (pronounced mit-chew-la) will bless the bikes individually.

The voluntary scenic ride through the Town of Warwick will end with a party at Pennings Orchard and Farm Market, 161 Route 94 South.

The blessing and ride are free, but for anyone wishing to come to the get-together at Pennings, the fee is $25 for all you can eat: burgers, hotdogs, salads and soda.

T-shirts will be handed out to the first 100 people and beer will be sold at discount.

The Shamrocks Motorcycle Club
Micciulla, a native of Staten Island, studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, where he received his masters of divinity degree. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New York in 2005 and is currently serving his second year at St. Stephen’s as Parochial Vicar.

It may seem unusual for a Catholic priest to be interested in motorcycles but for Micciulla, who will be riding his own Victory Cross Country Tour machine, it’s not just his favorite hobby. He is also the chaplain of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Shamrocks Motorcycle Club.

Originally founded as a club for federal law enforcement officers, the Shamrocks, headquartered in Vermont, now has membership containing and open to all United States law enforcement officers without regard to level of government. The nonprofit organization is designed to promote brotherhood between all members of the law enforcement community and support organizations that assist with law enforcement.

Essential information
• The second annual motorcycle blessing on April 20 is sponsored by the Shamrocks Motorcycle Club and Pennings Orchard and Farm Market.

• For additional information, contact Micciulla at 986-4028 or e-mail: parochial_vicar@aol.com.