Visit our Gallery of Images fromThe Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
60th Diamond Anniversary of Our Solemn Novena
to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Planning to attend the outdoor Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel? Sixty years ago in 1948 you could go to the Clayton Courthouse where busses awaited to take you to the Monastery. Every fifteen minutes a bus would load and then depart filled with pilgrims. During those years special arrangements were made with the Public Service Comapny to handle the ever-increasing crowds.
Upon arrival you could hear the chimes ringing out hymns in honor of Mary as you joined the thousands of pilgrims on the front lawn or outdoor amphitheater as news articles frequently recorded. Headlines in those days were entitled: 3700 Attend Carmelites's Impressive Outdoor Novena and, 6500 Attend Closing Outdoor Novena and Last outdoor Novena Service Draws 7,000. These numbers account for one evening alone. Pictures from those days show the grounds filled to capacity with pilgrims who came to show their love and devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
During these early years the Secular Order of Carmel was responsible for the novena and was a tremendous hellp to the Sisters in organizing this event. The Novena began with the Priest and serves, accompanied by colorful Knights of Columbus, carring the Blessed Sacrament in procession from the Chapel to the outdoor altar. The setting was beautiful. At the foot of the almost bowl-shaped lawn, with a backdrop of tall trees, was the altar. Spotlights covered with gree cloth bathes the trees in a moonlight effect as the sun sank. An arch of geenery framed the crucifix and on each side was a golden gate and a golden basket of white gladiolas.
Every evening, bishops and priests offered inspiring homilies that were also broadcast by WEW radio station. After the homily, the faithful would kneel to opray Our Lady's Rosary. Some years the people prayed the Living Rosary with a candle being lighted as each Ave began until the grounds were covered with bright lights shining for their Heavenly Mother. After the Rosary the services would end with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament as Our Eucharistic Lord blessed the people in all their needs.
Vatican II encouraged the celebration of Mass at large gatherings of the faithful, and thus began the celebration of Mass with the opportunity to receive the Eucharist each evening. Throughout these past 60 years, thouscands of pilgrims have come to honor and show their love for Mary. Many bishops, priests, deacons and servers have given of their time to be a part of this event. Our gratitude goes to the countelss choirs who have come to praise God in song. We thank all those who have helped to prepart the grounds and to assist with the parking. We know that Our Lady of Mount Carmel is pleased with her Novena and smiles upon all her children who have proven their love for her thoughtout these years. As we begin the 61st Novena in her honor, she will be looking for you to join her as she leads you to her Divine Son and says: