Faith in motion: New motorcycles blessed for North Arlington PD
Last month, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark blessed and donated two new Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the North Arlington Police Department.
The Sept. 2 ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum celebrated both faith and service in motion. As officers from the department’s Motor Unit rode into the courtyard with practiced ease, the deep hum of their motorcycles carried across the sacred grounds.
The blessing, led by Father Michael Barone, chaplain of Holy Cross Cemetery, was a gesture of gratitude for the officers who ensure safe and dignified processions into one of the nation’s most renowned and award-winning Catholic cemeteries. The low, steady rumble of motorcycles could be heard as he raised his hand in blessing.
“These officers help protect our families and visitors every day,” Father Barone said. “Blessing these motorcycles reminds us that their service, too, is sacred — they are instruments of compassion and care.”
Strengthening safety and connection
For Lieutenant Anthony Scala and Patrolman Matthew Konieczny, who make up the department’s Motorcycle Unit, the motorcycles strengthen both safety and connection. “It gets us closer to the community,” Scala said. “We can interact with residents, assist with processions, and be part of local events. The bikes make us visible and approachable.”
“They connect people to law enforcement in a positive, human way—and that’s something worth celebrating,” said North Arlington Police Chief Michael Horton.
Joseph Heckel, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, described the donation as an expression of partnership and appreciation. “The North Arlington Police Department has always been there for us,” he said. “This was our way of giving something back. When faith and service work together, the entire community benefits.”
Holy Cross Cemetery is among the largest and most distinguished Catholic cemeteries in the country. The sacred setting, designed for peace and reflection, offered the perfect backdrop for a moment that united faith, community, and public service.
Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark operates 11 cemetery and mausoleum locations throughout northern New Jersey, offering faith-based memorialization, compassionate service, and sacred spaces for prayer and remembrance. To learn more, visit HERE.
You can view more photos of the blessing HERE.
Featured image: Lieutenant Anthony Scala and Patrolman Matthew Konieczny of the North Arlington Police Department skillfully maneuver their newly blessed Harley-Davidson motorcycles outside Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum’s Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit. The officers comprise the department’s elite Motor Unit, known for their precision and professionalism. (Photos by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark)
