Day 5 of the Novena to Our Lady of Mt Carmel
Plus the Feast of Our Lady of Le Puy and the 138th Annual Feast of OLMC
Join us in prayer as we begin the nine day Novena to Our Lady of Mt Carmel.
For all those celebrating the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mt Carmel around the world.
For the Carmelite Order and all Lay Carmelites.
For the needs and intentions of all those praying this Novena, the apostolate of the Fraternal Society of St John the Apostle, Epiphany of Our Lord Shrine, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, and the Diocese of St Petersburg.
Fifth Day
O Mother of Fair Love, through your goodness, as your children, we are called to live in the spirit of Carmel. Help us to live in charity with one another, prayerful as Elijah of old, and mindful of our call to minister to God's people.
(Mention your request here)
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x)
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in thy hands (3x)
Please offer three Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glory Bes in thanksgiving.
"As holy sites go, the Sanctuary Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) in East Harlem should be top of list for Catholics visiting New York. There have been several documented miracles that have been performed by the Blessed Mother at this Shrine. The image located here was proclaimed miraculous by His Holiness Pope Leo XIII and crowned during the pontificate of Pope St. Pius X on July 10th, 1904. It is one of the 3 most holy sites in the Americas as coronated by Pontifical Authority. The two others are Our Lady of Prompt Help in New Orleans, and the Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico. OLMC was built by the neighborhood's Italian immigrant parishioners (who upon completing the cathedral in the style of an Italian mountain village basilica, were only permitted to worship down in its basement). The church has been the center of a religious feast in the street out front each July for the past 140 years. At one time was attended by upwards of 500,000 people. Today, services are offered in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish and Latin."
The Feast of Our Lady of Le Puy: A Celebration of Faith and Miracles
On July 11th, Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Le Puy, honoring one of the oldest Marian shrines in Europe. Nestled in the picturesque town of Le Puy-en-Velay, France, this feast is steeped in history, miraculous events, and enduring devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Miraculous Origins
The story of Our Lady of Le Puy begins in the first century AD, when a woman named Vila, a recent convert to Christianity, suffered from a debilitating illness. According to tradition, Vila prayed fervently to the Virgin Mary for healing. In response, Mary appeared to her in a vision and instructed her to climb Mount Anis, a volcanic hill that had long been a site of pagan worship. Vila obeyed and was miraculously healed after lying on a large stone at the summit.
Mary later appeared again, instructing Vila to inform Bishop George of Velay that a church should be built on the site. When Bishop George climbed Mount Anis with his clergy, he found an astonishing sight: despite it being midsummer, the ground was covered in snow. A deer emerged from the forest and traced the outline of what would become the church’s foundation.
By 430 AD, construction was completed on what would become one of Europe’s most famous Marian sanctuaries. Over centuries, pilgrims flocked to Le Puy seeking healing and spiritual renewal. The shrine gained prominence as one of four major starting points for pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.1
The Cathedral of Le Puy: A Masterpiece of Faith
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Puy, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural marvel that reflects centuries of devotion. Built atop Mount Anis, this Romanesque cathedral features unique Moorish and Byzantine influences, with its striking black-and-white striped façade and intricately designed arches.2
Inside, pilgrims can venerate the famous Black Madonna, a statue believed to have been gifted by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) upon his return from the Crusades in 1254. Though the original statue was destroyed during the French Revolution, a replica now occupies its place on the high altar.
Another highlight is the Fever Stone, where Vila was healed—a reminder that faith can transform even physical suffering into grace.
Traditions Associated with the Feast
The Feast of Our Lady of Le Puy is celebrated with great solemnity and joy:
Pilgrimages: Pilgrims from across France and beyond visit Le Puy Cathedral to honor Mary under this title. Many walk part or all of the ancient Camino route leading from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela.
Processions: On July 11th, processions wind through Le Puy’s streets as locals carry banners and statues honoring Our Lady.
Marian Hymns: Traditional hymns like "Ave Maris Stella" are sung during Masses and processions.
Healing Prayers: Devotees pray at the Fever Stone for physical or spiritual healing.
A Legacy That Endures
For over 1,500 years, Our Lady of Le Puy has drawn countless souls closer to God through her intercession. Her feast reminds us that miracles still happen when we approach God with faith and humility.
As we celebrate this day, let us ask for her intercession: Notre-Dame du Puy, priez pour nous!
The 138th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Brooklyn’s Beloved Tradition
Every July, Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood comes alive with one of New York City’s most cherished Catholic traditions—the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This vibrant celebration blends Italian heritage with deep Marian devotion and has been drawing crowds since its inception in 1887.
The History Behind the Feast
The roots of this feast trace back to Southern Italy—specifically Nola near Naples—where devotion to Saint Paulinus (San Paolino) and Our Lady flourished for centuries. Immigrants from Nola brought their traditions with them when they settled in Williamsburg during the late 19th century.3
In 1903, these Italian immigrants held their first Giglio Feast in Brooklyn as an homage to San Paolino's legendary sacrifice during a pirate raid in 410 AD. Over time, this celebration merged with devotion to Our Lady under her title as Mount Carmel—a name tied to her patronage over the Carmelite Order.
Today’s festival honors both San Paolino's heroism and Mary’s maternal care.
Traditions That Define This Celebration
The Feast spans twelve days (July 9–20), culminating on July 16th—the liturgical feast day for Our Lady of Mount Carmel—and features several unique traditions:
The Lifting of the Giglio: At nearly 80 feet tall and weighing four tons, this wooden tower adorned with lilies (Italy’s national flower) is carried through Williamsburg by over 100 men while music plays from atop it.4
Processions: Statues of both San Paolino and Our Lady are paraded through Williamsburg streets as parishioners follow behind singing hymns or praying Rosaries.
Masses: Special Masses are celebrated throughout the festival in multiple languages—including English, Italian, Spanish—to reflect Brooklyn's diverse Catholic community.
Street Fair: True to Italian-American tradition, food vendors line Havemeyer Street offering sausage-and-peppers sandwiches, zeppole (fried dough), gelato, and more.
Cultural Events: From live music performances to children’s activities like mini-Giglio lifts, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event.
The Spiritual Significance
While it may seem like just another street fair at first glance, this feast carries profound spiritual meaning for those who participate:
It honors Mary under her title as Queen and Mother—reminding us that she watches over us just as she did for Christ.
It celebrates community—bringing together generations who share faith and cultural heritage.
It calls us back to prayer—whether through lighting votive candles or joining public devotions during processions.5
Keeping Tradition Alive
In recent years, efforts have been made to ensure younger generations embrace this rich tradition. From recruiting new lifters for Giglio Sunday to hosting children’s activities tied into Marian devotion, organizers work tirelessly so that future Brooklynites can continue celebrating their faith through this beautiful event.
As we honor Our Lady under her title as Mount Carmel this July 16th—and remember Saint Paulinus’ heroic example—let us pray for unity within our families and communities:
St Paulinus of Nola and Our Lady of Mount Carmel…pray for us!
https://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/lepuy/index.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Puy_Cathedral
https://www.olmcfeast.com/history
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/137th-annual-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-feast-day/
https://web.archive.org/web/20050403164809/http://www.giglio-usa.org/Origin_History.htm