Unique Priestly Ministry Reaching Motorcycle Riders

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A first impression of the Terror of Demons may change once the helmet and vest come off.

The Terror of Demons is a motorcycle ministry of priests from the Archdiocese of New York cruising around the region to pray, offer riding tips and bless motorcycles and riders.

The Terror Demons has scheduled its next event for Sept. 4 on Staten Island to mark the 49th anniversary of the death of Father Vincent Capodanno, M.M., a native of Staten Island and a U.S. Navy chaplain who was killed while ministering last rites to a dying Marine in Vietnam. He was awarded a Medal of Honor, Purple Heart and Navy Bronze Star, and a Navy ship was named in his honor, the USS Capodanno.

The upcoming event will serve as a fund-raiser for a statue of Father Capodanno and elevate awareness in hopes of his eventual canonization. The Church initiated the first step to sainthood for Father Capodanno by proclaiming him a Servant of God in 2006.

“He’s an incredible hero, and he was born on Staten Island. We want people to know about him, and we hope he will be a saint soon,’’ said Father Angelo Micciulla, pastor at Holy Family parish on Staten Island and co-founder of the Terror of Demons.

Father Micciulla co-founded the Terror of Demons with Father Jean-Paul Soler, pastor of St. Clement-St. Michael on Staten Island. The group’s first event was held on Staten Island to mark the Feast of St. John Vianney on Aug. 4, 2015.

There are now six priest members in the Terror of Demons scattered around the archdiocese. The Terror of Demons came from the name given to St. Joseph because of to his desire and ability to protect Blessed Mother and Jesus from enemies.

“The best part of it is the surprise on people’s faces and seeing the Church and priests in a different way,’’ said Father Soler, who became a licensed rider last year.

“If you do something different, it opens the door to conversation with people in the parish, and even outside the Church.’’

The Terror of Demons held an event on May 28 on Staten Island, attracting 60 riders over the Memorial Day Weekend for prayer, blessing of the motorcycles and riders, and a 30-mile ride.

Frank Parker, a parishioner at Holy Family and the owner of two Harley- Davidson motorcycles, attended the May event and plans to invite friends and colleagues to the festivities in September.

“It was an awesome day put together extremely safely,” Parker said. “They did a phenomenal job putting this together, and it brings a parish and community together.

“I honestly would not think a priest would ride a bike, but it’s nice to know they’re just like us. To see my own priest riding in front of me is a humbling experience and a nice thing.”

On June 8, the Terror of Demons met at St. Joseph’s Seminary and welcomed honorary member, Cardinal Dolan.

“We gave him a vest and inducted him in the ministry with us. He congratulated us for this and showed support for us,” Father Micciulla said.

“We’re on our own with this. It’s not an archdiocesan ministry, but the Cardinal does approve of what we’re doing. He loved the ceremony and had a big smile. He’s a great person to be around, and I’m glad he was willing to do it and be in the ministry with us.”

A motorcycle blessing with about 95 riders was held at St. Stephen’s in Warwick on June 18.

Father Micciulla hopes the ministry continues to grow and reach different areas of the archdiocese. He said he’s hopeful that events will be added in the Bronx and in Ulster County in 2017.

“We’re extending the faith to people who ride,” he said. “We had a lot of people stray away from the church. They see a priest on a motorcycle, they begin to talk with us, and we try to get them back in church. They’re willing. We have to meet them on their ground, and it’s easy to do with a motorcycle.’’