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Our Lady of Mount Carmel is committed to faith, family and future as city church
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100th Anniversary of the Mt. Carmel Festival
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Pat Palombo - 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
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100th anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
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Tori Augustine 10, of Boardman learns the making of a meatball sandwich at the Italian Heritage week from Margurite Gondol and Lisa Orlando at the Italian Heritage week 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
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PATRON SAINT: A 10-foot statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is showcased at the church of the same name that is celebrating its century mark this year. The statue was dedicated in 1990 on the grounds at 343 Via Mount Carmel St., Youngstown.
YOUNGSTOWN — Situated on Via Mount Carmel Street, located off Watt Street, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church complex overlooks the city. It’s a piece of heaven on earth and a piece of earth close to heaven.
The location, which gives it an almost ethereal feel, is removed from the city traffic and noise. But the site in Smoky Hollow makes it a part of the urban scene and as such, an active participant in the city’s revitalization. “It’s a spiritual oasis,” said Pat Palombo, co-chairman of the 100th anniversary committee with Walter Good.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrating a century in the city. It’s a testament to the Italian immigrants who founded and built the church. Their legacy of commitment to faith and family continues. It didn’t come by chance, but by a conscious act.
“It’s the consequences of a decision by Father Fabrizio [the Rev. Henry],” said Monsignor Michael J. Cariglio, who became the church’s fifth pastor July 1, 1986. “He, the parish council and parish community looked at Youngstown demographics and how things were changing dramatically,” he said. That was in the 1960s. “The parish made a decision to remain on this site and that gave rise to restoration here ... a new rectory and social hall,” Monsignor Cariglio said. “It was a commitment to the urban community and Catholic faith.”
The monsignor described Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a “longstanding ethnic parish” where “generations of families” have attended and continue to do so. “They live in solidarity with their Catholic faith in a Catholic life,” he said.
Monsignor Cariglio said the church has improved its grounds through landscaping, an outdoor shrine garden to St. Anthony, a memorial walk and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel statue. “It’s our part of the city’s renaissance and Smoky Hollow renewal,” he said, noting the church also is involved in Cityscape, a citywide cleanup and beautification effort.
As another part of its commitment to city life, the church hosts, rent-free, the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, which is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. “It’s another way of reaching out,” he said.
The 1,058 households counted as members represent a variety of ethnic heritages; the church was founded by Italian immigrants. That history is treasured, Monsignor Cariglio said. This church was an outgrowth of St. Anthony in Brier Hill and St. Lucy in Campbell was “a sign of further growth in the Italian-American community.”
In recognition of its rich Italian heritage and in conjunction with the 100th anniversary, Tony and Mary Lariccia donated $135,000 toward a sculpture of an Italian immigrant family created by sculptor Tony Antonishak of Poland. Monsignor Cariglio said the oldest member of the parish is Ann DeGregorio, 106.
Monsignor Cariglio described the church as Romanesque style and modeled after church designs in Basilicata, a region of Italy. The church, which was dedicated Nov. 16, 1916, has remained essentially the same — attesting to the skilled craftsmanship of the workers of the time. “It’s 95 percent the way it was with very little changes,” the monsignor said.
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel statue holds a place of honor behind the altar and is surrounded by a mural of angels. The church also features 12 stained-glass windows, murals of 12 saints and an array of statues.
Monsignor Cariglio said changes in the neighborhood paved the way for the church to buy adjacent properties. An outdoor shrine to St. Anthony of Padua and outdoor Stations of the Cross provide places to pray or reflect.
Palumbo said, “I think all these visuals that relate to our faith are helpful in the spiritual growth of young people. “The positive images promote positive behavior.”
Palombo said church members have a “real devotion to Mary.” “There’s a strong sense of spirituality,” he said, and noted it has continued throughout the generations.
He said the devotion is demonstrated in various ways, not excluding how the members, who no longer live in the neighborhood, continue to support the church. “They come from all over Mahoning and Trumbull counties ... despite these gas prices,” he said. “There’s a commitment ... like one to a family.”
Good counts himself in that family. “I’m a good example. I’ve been here my whole life and made a decision to stay,” he said. “There’s a family commitment ... a closeness among church members.”
Good, president of parish council and a Eucharistic minister, said that the combination of Italian and Catholic traditions create an interesting history and appeal. “We have a beautiful church,” Good said, noting “the grounds offer unique quiet places.”
Good said the church, by adding the outdoor shrine and other sites for prayer, remained “active and viable” as it enhanced the environment surrounding it.
Devotion also is exemplified in the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which began in 1994. Heeding the words of Pope John Paul XXIII who said, “Visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament frequently, rejoicing to keep Him company,” the church initiated this 27/7 worship. “Monsignor envisioned this beautiful devotion,” said Joe Nohra, permanent deacon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As deacon, Nohra assists in liturgical celebrations and is involved in various ministries in support of the church.
Nohra, who was born and raised as a Maronite Catholic, said his father had a “great devotion” to the Virgin Mary and he was inspired by that example. Apparently, other members were, too. “This parish is not really growing old,” Nohra observed. “We have many young families who are part of the parish.” But, he added, church membership spans the generations, providing a rich mix.
Nohra, who retired as chief financial officer after 44 years with the Cafaro Co., put his financial knowledge to use in his work with the Catholic Education Fund. “This gives assistance to families who apply,” Nohra said, noting its funds to help families underwrite the cost of a Catholic education.
Another aspect of the parish is its religious education department housed in the Pope John Paul II Center. Dolores Good is director and first served as a volunteer and now is on staff. She’s devoted 45 years to this work.
“The number fluctuates from year to year,” she said, and noted some 200 youth are involved. In the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program, kindergarten through 12th grade, classes for kindergarten through sixth grade meet Saturday mornings and involve 130 pupils; seventh through 12th grades meet on Sundays and attract about 80 participants.
“We also have Italian Culture Week. They go back to their roots and learn some music and language,” Dolores Good said. The church also offers a vacation Bible school.
Dolores Good said she works with Jin DeToro, youth ministries coordinator, and young people volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and at St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen.
Other organizations at the church are the Legion of Mary, St. Monica Guild, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Vestibule Club, Mothers of the Crucifix Society and Senior Citizens Club.
The Italian Festival, a salute to immigrants, is planned for July 24-27 with children’s activities, crafts, entertainment and food.