SOLEMN COMMEMORATION OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

The Carmelites of the Province of St. Elias celebrated the Solemn Commemoration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th, 2020 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, NY. Bishop Gerardo Colacicco, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York celebrated the 11:30 AM Mass which was well attended. Congregants were required to follow safety measures by wearing face masks and by observing social distancing, with some people having to stand outside of the chapel doors so as not to overcrowd the Shrine chapel. Following the Mass, there was a procession for the crowning of Mary.

After Mass the Bishop and Father Mario Esposito, Prior Provincial joined other Carmelite friars for a light lunch provided by Shrine Director, Carol Bezak, after which the Bishop returned to the Shrine Chapel for Exposition, Scriptural Rosary and Benediction from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

We are most grateful to Bishop Colacicco for coming to the Shrine to celebrate the Feast Day with the Carmelites and with all the faithful who attended the Mass. Credit also goes to Father Joseph Nguyen Do, Brother Gregg Durham and those others who created the beautiful floral arrangements for the Shrine Chapel and for the platform holding Mary’s statue. Thanks also to Vincent Begley and Brother Gregg for the photographs.