Celebrating Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Clerkenwell

St Peter's Italian Church in Clerkenwell, central London, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with a joyful Mass, a colourful procession and street festival on 20 July.

Fr Andrea Fulco and Fr Giuseppe De Caro were the concelebrants at the Mass, together with another Pallottine priest from Italy, Fr Marcello Saporito, and other Westminster clergy. Organist Christopher Aguas Pacol. led the choir and musicians. Beatrice Baldassarri sang the Psalm.

After the Mass, crowds gathered outside the church to watch the release of three white doves and a blessing - before the brass band struck up and the parade of floats and statues began to process through the streets, accompanied by parishioners of all ages, dressed in traditional costumes and different Italian associations and community groups. Many floats depicted biblical scenes - from the Nativity through to 'Let the Little Children Come to Me', the commissioning of St Peter, to the Way of the Cross and Crucifixion. Many Saints - among them the Patron Saints of Italy - St Francis of Assisi and St Catherine of Siena, St Antony of Padua, St Lucy, St Rita of Cascia and Padre Pio were also vividly portrayed.

Throughout the day, on nearby Warner Street, there were stalls open selling delicious Italian food, drinks and gifts.

Besides being a major festival for London's Italian community, the day attracted many visitors from across the capital.

One family had come from Ealing. They told ICN: "We come every year. This festival like a mini holiday in Italy. St Peter's is such a beautiful church. Makes us wish we were Italian."

Judyanne Masters, from Pimlico said: "The procession and Italian festival was a first for me. I was captivated by the baroque church, the welcoming Italian community, as well as the extensive procession and festivities! The violins and choir at Mass were mesmerising. They even had a float for Pope Leo! Then there were the numerous Italian foods, drinks and goods to taste and explore! It was one of the best birthday adventures I've had in a long time. I'll be there again next year!"

Since 1883, the feast has been held every year in Clerkenwell, with an interval only during World War II. The procession was one of the first outdoor Catholic events to be allowed to take place in England since the Reformation. Queen Victoria granted special permission to the local police chief in Holborn to allow it to proceed. Procession costumes first appeared after the World War II and decorated floats began to feature during the 1950s.

LINKS

St Peter's Italian Church: www.italianchurch.org.uk/

Watch a videos of the procession: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRgwxw6SL_o