This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, the longest-running Italian-American religious festival in the United States of America — and Oak Grove Cemetery has several connections to its origins.
The first observance of the feast day in Hammonton, held on July 16, 1875, took place at the home of Antonio Capelli at 232 Pine Road; Capelli lived and worked on the farm of Albert Gay, who resides with us in Section C.
One of Capelli's compatriots that day was Emanuel Persico, who resides with us in Section A.
The first observance of the feast day in Hammonton, held on July 16, 1875, took place at the home of Antonio Capelli at 232 Pine Road; Capelli lived and worked on the farm of Albert Gay, who resides with us in Section C.
One of Capelli's compatriots that day was Emanuel Persico, who resides with us in Section A.
That day, Capelli and Persico, along with Luigi Vuotto and a small group of fellow immigrants (including Charles Vuotto who resides in Section A), prayed in front of a painting of the Virgin Mary. They also formed a procession in front of the home. They prayed in thanks—for their safe journey to America, for a successful farming season, and for the blessings and good fortune found in their new home of Hammonton.
Over the years, the celebration grew. It was next celebrated for several years at Hammonton Lake Park, before moving to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society carnival grounds near St. Joseph's Church. Now, the feast encompasses a full week of faith, community and joy. The feast day itself, the 16th of July, is marked by several Masses and a Procession of the Saints. For the past several years, our caretaker has walked alongside the statue of St. Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of gravediggers.
Over the years, the celebration grew. It was next celebrated for several years at Hammonton Lake Park, before moving to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society carnival grounds near St. Joseph's Church. Now, the feast encompasses a full week of faith, community and joy. The feast day itself, the 16th of July, is marked by several Masses and a Procession of the Saints. For the past several years, our caretaker has walked alongside the statue of St. Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of gravediggers.
This year, Oak Grove Cemetery was proud to sponsor the 150th anniversary and celebrate our long, shared history and heritage.
Buona Festa!
