On Saturday, July 6, 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 motorcycle enthusiasts, led by Warwick Police, on a 40-mile ride through local country roads.
Micciulla is also the chaplain of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Shamrocks Motorcycle Club, an organization open to all United States law enforcement officers, and many of its members joined in the ride.
This year Warwick Police Lt. Thomas Maslanka was joined in leading the parade by officers Rich Kozpola and Jason Braiser.
Members of the Warwick Knights of Columbus and the Warwick Fire Department also supported the popular event.
Micciulla, who followed the police escort closely, had already traveled that morning from Staten Island to Warwick on his 2019 Indian Chieftain machine.
Before the ride and after a brief general blessing, St. Stephen’s pastor, the Rev. Jack Arlotta, Parochial Vicar Reynor Santiago and Micciulla 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, ended with a party in the Sugar Loaf Tap House at 1368 Kings Highway.
And everyone who participated also received a free T-shirt, featuring a painting of an eagle and the names on the back of the sponsors for this year’s event, designed by artist and event chair Lisa Kevins.