St. Stephen's sixth annual motorcycle blessing draws more than 75 bikers

WARWICK — On Saturday, June 3, the Rev. Angelo Micciulla, former parochial vicar at Warwick's R.C. Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr and now pastor of Holy Family Parish in Staten Island, joined a formation of more than 75 motorcycle enthusiasts, led by Warwick Town Police, on a 40-mile ride through local country roads.
And the weather was near perfect for this event, the sixth annual motorcycle blessing and ride.
Micciulla, who rode from Staten Island to Warwick on his Victory Cross-Country Tour machine, returned for the second consecutive year since his reassignment.
Before the ride and after a brief general blessing, St. Stephen's pastor, the Rev. Jack Arlotta, and Micciulla assisted by Deacon Thomas MacDougall and St. Joseph's Seminary student Roger Kwan blessed each of the bikes individually.
Some of the motorcycle enthusiasts only came for the blessing but most joined the formation for a scenic ride through the Town of Warwick.
The well-planned route, designed for safety and led by Warwick Police, ended with a party at the Warwick Fire Department Station No. 1 with an all-you-can-eat buffet.
And everyone who participated also received a T-shirt with the names of the sponsors for this year's event.
Micciulla 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. And many of its members were on hand to support the event.
Micciulla said that he was happy with the turnout and thankful to John MacDonald and Lisa Kevins, who co-chaired this year's event.
"Many people have a stereotype image of bikers," said Father Micciulla. "But we come from all walks of life including doctors, lawyers, business people and members of the clergy."
- Roger Gavan