Faith on Two Wheels

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By Maxim Almenas, Director of Marketing & Communications, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark
Email: Maxim.Almenas@rcan.org

NORTH ARLINGTON, N.J. — Beneath the soaring arches of the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark blessed and donated two new Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the North Arlington Police Department.

The ceremony celebrated both faith and service in motion. Officers from the department’s Motor Unit rode into the courtyard with practiced ease—the deep hum of their motorcycles carrying across the sacred grounds. Known nationwide for their strength, stability, and craftsmanship, Harley-Davidson police motorcycles are trusted by departments across the country for their reliability and presence.

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.

“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.”

Holy Cross Cemetery, among the largest and most distinguished Catholic cemeteries in the country, recently opened the Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit, a luminous and fully covered sanctuary filled with natural light from skylights above and surrounded by vivid liturgical mosaics. The sacred setting, designed for peace and reflection, offered the perfect backdrop for a moment that united faith, community, and public service.

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.”

Mayor Daniel H. Pronti noted the motorcycles reinforce the community’s values of respect and safety. “Our residents understand what it means to honor a procession,” he said. “These make that easier—they protect everyone involved and reflect the pride we have as a town.”

Police Chief Michael Horton added the motorcycles symbolize both tradition and progress. “They’re a showstopper at every event,” he said. “They connect people to law enforcement in a positive, human way—and that’s something worth celebrating.”

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.”

As Father Barone raised his hand in blessing and sunlight filtered through the skylights, the low, steady rumble of the motorcycles beneath the open canopy became a fitting soundtrack for the occasion—faith in motion, community in harmony, and gratitude shared between those who serve the living and those who honor the departed.

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 www.rcancem.org.

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