131st Religious Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pontifical Shrine Church
Continuing to draw thousands of pilgrims to the feet of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Feast, originally was created by Italian immigrants who came to New York City in 1880. So great was their devotion to Our Lady, that a church was ordered constructed in 1884. This was built at night, by the community, both women and men. Cardinal McCloskey asked the then Italian speaking Pallottine Fathers to care for them. They continue to serve at the Shrine to this day. The Feast is now universally appealing and multi-cultural, drawing all ethnics to honor Our Lady.
The origins of the Feast date back to a recorded Old Testament battle between the prophet Elias and the priests of pagan god Baal. This took place on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. In tribute to Elias’s triumph, early Christian hermits at Mt. Carmel dedicated their chapel to Our Lady. The chapel became known as a shrine to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Muslim invaders scattered the hermits, who later regrouped in monasteries throughout Europe as the Carmelite order. Our Lady appeared to St, Simon Stock, giving him the Brown Scapular and along with it many spiritual gifts to those who honor Her. Wearing the scapular is akin to wearing a religious habit. It demonstrates your belief and faith in the interventions of Our Lady on your behalf
The rare privilege of Papal Incoronation was granted by Pope St. Pius X, following the investigations ordered by Pope Leo XIII in recognition of the graces received, and prayers answered at the Shrine. The crowning of the statue, raised the church to the status of a Sanctuary, or major Marian Shrine to Our Lady. Special Plenary Indulgences were also attached for visits to the Shrine during the Feast. These were made permanent in 1906 by Pius X. Pius XII conferred the privileges of a major Shrine altar in 1953.
131TH ANNUAL RELIGIOUS FEAST OF
OUR LADY OF
MOUNT CARMEL
PONTIFICAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
July 6-July 18, 2014
448 East. 116th Street
New York, NY
Information: (212) 534-0681