July 14, 2017

Praying the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel at the Grotto in Rosebank, Staten Island

Evviva Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
Beautiful Mother, listening virgin, open our hearts so that we may learn to listen to the words of your Son. Beautiful Mother, listening virgin, open our hearts and minds that we may learn to listen to the words of your Son and keep them. Mother so tender, pure of heart, strengthen us in our resolve.
For the seventh day of the Novena, I made my way to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grotto in Rosebank, Staten Island to say my devotional prayers. Thankfully, the threat of rain never materialized, and I was able to light my votive candles, meditate and pray for the happy repose of my ancestors in relative tranquility. 
A peaceful oasis, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grotto
Granite and bronze monument dedicated to Vito Louis Russo
Nooks and crannies reveal tiny treasures
(L) Thomas Tedesco's St. Anthony shrine. (R) Memorial for Rocco F. Comfort, who was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge in Germany on Jan. 18, 1945
The 114th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Rosebank, Staten Island runs from July 13th—16th and July 20th—23rd. Mass will be celebrated Sunday, July 16th at the Church of St. Joseph (463 Tompkins Avenue) at 12pm. The procession with the Larry Laurenzano Festival Band will begin at the grotto (36 Amity Street) at 9am and make its way through Rosebank to 2pm.