Led by Father Jose Cilia, O.Carm., parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Joliet, Illinois, process to the church where a celebration honoring the feast day took place.

It was a muggy summer night, this July 16, with the threat of rain surrounding us. Regardless of the weather a small group had assembled to begin their annual walk of tribute. With a police escort to block off the roadways, the procession began. Our most precious Lady led the procession, carried in lofty prominence by men who took turns securing the poles on their shoulders. Their journey flowed down several blocks to Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Joliet, Illinois, where Mass would soon be celebrated. The people prayed the rosary as they processed following Carmelite Father Jose Cilia, who led their prayers.

With each block, more people joined the procession. Very soon several hundred were walking and praying and singing praises to the Lady of the Mount. Men and woman of all ages brought their children. Some children were carried by their parents. Little girls dressed in white dresses as tribute to their Mother. All walked solemnly praying in celebration of the Lady of Mount Carmel. As the procession neared the church, birds came virtually from out of no where filling the air overhead in her honor. We entered the church and I felt that Our Mother was pleased with their humble tribute.

Father Ed Ward, O.Carm., distributed scapulars at the end of the Mass.

The Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated in Spanish. You do not have to understand the language to feel the gift. Being present was a gift to all that came. While drums beat the tempo the other musicians played and the choir signaled to all in attendance that the Mass was about to begin. Father Raymond Corkery, O.Carm., pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel presided at this Eucharistic celebration. Carmelite Fathers Ed Ward, Jose Cilia, and Ray Foster concelebrated. Brother Enrique Valera, O.Carm., served as the deacon for the Mass and challenged the people through his homily.

A feast deserves to be celebrated and celebrated and celebrated. This grand day continued with food prepared especially for this day which was blessed at the end of Mass. And after giving one last gift, scapulars to those who wished one, the Mass was ended and all moved to the festival hall to laugh and sing and eat!

The feast day jubilation at the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Joliet, Illinois, was only one of the many celebrations that took place this day, but it was one that I truly was blessed to be a part of.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!