By Jessica Easthope
WILLIAMSBURG — The 80-foot Giglio is the centerpiece of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel feast in Williamsburg but the devotion that flows out onto the streets starts inside church.
Catholics of all backgrounds share a common thread of faith and on July 16 the fabric came together for Our Lady of Mount Carmel. People packed the pews of the church by the same name for the first of several Masses held on Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s feast day. The 10 a.m. mass was celebrated by retired Diocese of Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto. Later in the day a statue of Our Lady is processed through the blocks to spread a message — during a festival that weaves together faith, culture and tradition, the Blessed Mother should always be in focus.
“Bringing her around the streets of the neighborhood and asking people to respect her. To love her as we do,” Bishop Chappetto said.
“Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been in my family for generations. My grandmother was actually baptized in 1914 at this church, and we’ve done the walk ever since. And this is our next generation. Her name is Carmela,” said Deborah Cervo who stood with her daughter Lynda and granddaughter Carmela.
“If we don’t pass it on, who will? That’s how traditions phase out. And we don’t want that to happen,” said Lynda Cervo.
After Mass Bishop Chappetto said there are many things about the feast that never change and that’s by design — because Mary never loses her importance and her place in our lives as a mother.