July 21, 2013 - Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church Festival Utica, NY

The week-long 90°+ heat wave broke in time for the Mount Carmel Church Festival and it seems everyone turned out to enjoy a sunny yet comfortable afternoon.

The Red Band was poised in front of the Church at the conclusion of the 10:30am Mass as the Statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel emerged followed by a large group of Parishioners.

Very few of them dispersed – instead they followed the Saint and the Blessed Sacrament in Procession. It was the longest Procession in many a year – perhaps because of a change made this year.

Instead of going through the streets of East Utica and making 5 stops to recite the Rosary – this procession just went around the block to the outdoor Shrine for Benediction.

It has been noted that these shorter Processions allow more of the older Parishioners to participate and be part of the celebration.

After Benediction it seemed that everyone stayed around the Church grounds longer to enjoy food and music.

We played a 2 hour concert on an elevated, tented stage (our 38 musicians just fit on the platform) before a very large audience sitting under a tent of their own.

It was a lovely way to spend an old-fashioned Sunday afternoon in East Utica.

VIVA Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish

 

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Mt. Carmel Festival

VIVA LA BANDA   ROSSA!!!