Despite threatening weather, the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel went off as scheduled, and the Rev. Henry P. Zinno, Jr., pastor, couldn’t have been more proud or happy.

‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast…125 years strong!” he cried out. “Such a welcoming and inviting event because the people of this parish for 125 years knew that who we are and will forever be. A little rain did not stop our procession. The faith, fun, food and festivity this week was not just a celebration of our love for the Blessed Mother, Queen of Carmel, but a celebration of all the people of the town of Bristol, whose families came from many different countries, with little more than their faith, and with that same faith, hope, and charity, prospered and flourished in this land of the free and home of the brave. May Mary, Mother of Mt. Carmel continue to intercede for us and bring us together as families of peace and solace.”

Parishioners had been closely watching the weather forecast throughout the course of the morning on Sunday, but Father Zinno felt it was okay to go ahead with the planned traditional procession around the Bristol Town Council following the Living Rosary and Benediction. At approximately 2:30 in the afternoon, the statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was carried onto State St. for the start of the procession. A little rain fell shortly thereafter and a more steady rain followed as parishioners and friends marched along High Street, to Church Street, to Wood Street, and back to the Monsignor John W. Lolio Parish Center, where there was plenty of food, fun, raffles, a religious booth, and music.

For Celebration Chief Marshal Denise Asciolla, and Thomas Vendituoli “Faith in Action” Award recipient Nicholas Simeone and their families, it was an afternoon they will long remember, as well as all those who participated in this hallmark event.