HAMMONTON - One of the most historic religious and cultural events reaches a momentous milestone this summer, when the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society hosts its 150th annual festival and procession Sunday through Friday, July 14-19. It is the longest running Italian-American festival in the U.S. honoring the faith and traditions of the region’s Catholic community.
Each day of the festival includes a carnival, food vendors, live entertainment, fireworks and devotional activities held on the grounds of the Mount Carmel Society at 1 Mount Carmel Lane in downtown Hammonton.
This year’s celebration holds special significance with a rare event: the Canonical Coronation of the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a papal honor granted by decree of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
The Coronation Mass will take place 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 16 at St. Joseph Church, 226 French St., followed by the grand Procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at 4 p.m. The procession is a beloved tradition that winds through the streets of Hammonton with marching bands, floats, and thousands of pilgrims and spectators.
“This coronation is a recognition of the enduring devotion and vibrant Catholic heritage that Our Lady of Mount Carmel represents to the people of Hammonton and beyond,” said Fr. David Rivera, pastor of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish. “We are honored to share this sacred moment with the world.”
The Canonical Coronation joins a list of only five such honors ever granted in the U.S., placing Hammonton’s celebration in rare historical and spiritual company.
Visitors from across the country are expected to attend the milestone event. The faithful are encouraged to visit www.mountcarmelsociety.org and www.smmcp.net for full schedules, travel information, and opportunities to participate.
Founded in 1875 by Italian immigrants in Hammonton, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society has preserved and promoted Catholic devotion and cultural traditions for 150 years. The annual feast honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and serves as a spiritual homecoming for generations of families.
