OLMC celebrates 100 years as a Bristol parish

It was a historic day at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, literally. The church celebrated its own history this weekend, marking an impressive milestone.

Starting Sunday morning with a 100th Anniversary Celebration Mass, celebrated by Providence Bishop the Most. Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, and ending with a gala dinner–dance at White’s of Westport, parishioners and guests shared in the joy of a parish whose deep-rooted and well-documented faith has continued to grow throughout its century of existence.

Principal concelebrants at the Mass included the Rev. James. J. Verdelotti, former pastor at OLMC, current pastor, the Rev. Henry P. Zinno Jr., the Rev. Jonathan DeFelice, the Rev. James F. Quigley and the Rev. Jeremy J. Rodrigues.

Adding to the depth and enjoyment of the Mass was the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Choir, under the direction of Michael Garrepy. Also featured were Cantor Denise Dufour, flutists Elise Augustine and Maximillian St. George, trumpeters Jennifer Collins and Carl Gerhard, Brandi Poirier on horn, trombonists Jonathan Collard and Nic Dion, and timpanist Michael Iadevaia.

During the afternoon, more than 300 people gathered at White’s of Westport, where they enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and dancing to the music of “Triad.”

The 100th year celebration program was under the direction of William Delmage. The invocation was given by former assistant pastor Rev. Giacomo Capoverdi, and the toast was given by Father DeFelice.

Longtime parishioner Francis Vaccaro made the town of Bristol introduction, at which time, Town Administrator Steven Contente presented a citation to Father Zinno officially proclaiming April 30, 2017 as “Our Lady of Mount Carmel Day.”

Another highlight of the program was a video produced by parishioner Christine O’Connor depicting some of the church’s historic highlights. The program closed with comments and Benediction by Father Zinno.

“To see a faith generated 100 years ago thriving a century later, and now with such enthusiasm and dedication of our parishioners, handing on that same faith to the next generation, is tremendous,” Father Zinno said. “You only celebrate your first centennial once, so you have to celebrate in a big way. Our ancestors of Italian heritage came to this country with nothing but their faith, and it is the richness and legacy of this faith that we celebrate today.”