Our Lady of Mount Carmel — Attraction in New York

Small, tight knit magnet parish next to the mall with traditional services including the Latin mass, Latin vespers. Introvert heavy organization.

There is no missalette given for some services. Sometimes there are things that are known to hardcore regulars that I don't actually know. High Latin fluency among regulars but Latin services are often impenetrable to newcomers. Gregorian sheet music (neumes) was distributed at one point, which I appreciated.

There are several special interest groups and cultural factions within the church such as Latin students, Haitians, Poles, Filipinos, and neighborhood people. The church is historically Italian and holds one or two Italian heritage festivals.

There is a book about this church called "The Madonna of 116th St", but it portrays a very different kind of vibe and isn't an accurate representation of the...

It was my first time visiting the Shrine and I went there for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16th) and don't regret it at all. It is big, beautiful, clean: the restrooms didn't smell and there was no dirt. It is a Holy place of worship where I really felt the presence of my God and Savior through his Blessed Mother. They have many statues of the Blessed Mother of course (most of them), of angels. The mass is mostly Latin which is a change from the regular Catholic mass I attend. Even though it is in Harlem, once inside it is silent and you are in the best conditions to worship. There is a grotto there where you can light candles at your intentions and the store has many religious articles. They will definitely see me more...

I have been going to this church for over 50 years. My Mom would take me when I was young. Mass is said in Latin, that's rare and beautiful. The ladies at the rectory are sincere, pleasent and helpful. I travel approximately 40miles to attending mass there 4 times a year. They are handicap accessible. I use to carry my 97 year old up the stairs it was a feat with out the lift. I love to celebrate mass there. I wish I could...