History of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The relationship between Our Lady and Mount Carmel is geographical and biblical. Mount Carmel is about 20 miles from Nazareth and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The Mount is considered a symbol of blessing and beauty for its rich vegetation and beauty. Scripture tells that Elijah, the prophet, prayed to God on this Mount for rain during a drought and God answered his prayers with abundant rain and new life. The clouds that rose from the sea that brought the rain subsequently became a symbol for Mary and eventually developed into the title Star of the Sea.

Mount Carmel eventually attracted an order of hermits, and from the 12th century on it served as a residence to a Latin community of hermits called the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. A religious order that followed in the footsteps of Mary, the Order of Carmel considers itself totally Marian, a privilege that it claims to have received from the Blessed Virgin Mary, herself, and which is made visible through the brown scapular.

The Mount Carmel brown scapular is the oldest among eight scapulars to be approved by the Church that have a Marian character. The brown scapular owes its origin and existence to Saint Simon Stock who received a large brown scapular from Our Lady in a vision on July 16, 1251. A scapular is actually the sleeveless outer garment of a monk's habit that falls from the shoulders. Its significance implies that one is clothed with Mary's attitudes and devotion to Christ.

Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel:
     O most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God, immaculate virgin, assist us in our necessity. O star of the sea, help us and show us the way. Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who turn to you.
     Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads, so that we can attain our goal. You who gave us the diving gift to forgive and forget all evil against us, and who are with us in all instances in our lives, thank you for all things, as you confirm once again that we are never to be separated from you in eternal glory. AMEN

Parish History

Our Lady of Mount Carmel was established as a Parish in 1897 in Ashtabula, Ohio, on the corner of Columbus Avenue and East 12th Street. The first Mass was held for the immigrants of Italian descent with some Slovaks and Hungarians, thrown in for good measure. With the continuing influx of people to the east side of this small northeast Ohio town, three lots on the corner of Columbus Ave and East 16th Street were purchased and the construction of a Church began with the Dedication and Opening Mass on May 30, 1903.

The first resident Pastor arrived in 1911, Father Joseph Tomasi, and soon after, the first catechism classes were held. Monsignor John J. Davidson was appointed pastor in 1926, and under his leadership the church was enlarged, and a convent was purchased for the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. Monsignor Davidson shepherded the parish during the difficult depression years and the hardships inflicted by World War II.

In 1952, Bishop James McFadden appointed Father Joseph Feicht as pastor. Under the guidance of Father Feicht, Our Lady of Mount Carmel grade school was launched with classes being held in the basement of the rectory, at Slovak Hall and at the Pacific Street Public School until the completion of the new school building in 1959.

In the 1960's, Father Paul Petric served as pastor and also established many parish events and groups such as the Turkey Raffle, the continuation of the Summer Festival, and the Moms and Dads Club in an effort to reduce the debt of the school building.

In 1968, Father Bernard Vacca was appointed pastor and soon after, in 1973, the school debt was retired and at the same time a fund drive was initiated that would result in the 1974 opening and dedication of the current Church building. In the early 1980's, the Parish of Mount Carmel embarked on further expansion of its plant. The current rectory and parish Community Center were built at a cost of close to half a million dollars. Unfortunately, the 1980's also saw a slow-down in the economy, the rise of interest rates, and a change in the economic landscape of Ashtabula. The result of this downturn saw the consolidation of the three Catholic grade schools of Ashtabula into one effort and the high school likewise experienced change and hardship during the early 1990's.

In 1997, during the 100th anniversary of the parish, another milestone was reached as the mortgages to all of the buildings were retired close to 17 years earlier than expected. Since then, the groundwork and vision has been laid, financially, spiritually, and in ministry that will carry the parish forward into the next millennium. In 1997, a new initiative combined the grade school and high school once again under the direction of the Diocese of Youngstown. Saints John and Paul School was established and continues the long tradition of Catholic Education in Ashtabula. As for the parish, the recent addition of staff members and outreach has enabled the parish to embark on a new vision of ministry and service to the Catholic Community of Ashtabula as Our Lady of Mount Carmel begins its second 100 years and a new millennium.