I Tre Giorni del Ricordo
Every March, we remember three consecutive days marking a special time in our parish history.
March 17th, Feast of St. Patrick: The Apostle of Ireland played a special part in the founding of our parish. In the late 1800s, Italians had moved across the Platte River to North Denver. While they had previously attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, it was too far now. St. Patrick’s Church, attended mainly by Irish immigrants, was the only Catholic church serving the North Denver area at the time. Italians attended Mass there until they could build a church of their own. St. Patrick’s pastor, Rev. Joseph Carrigan, even housed our first pastor, Rev. Mariano Lepore, until Mt. Carmel was built. For these reasons, we recognize the Feast of St. Patrick and his North Denver namesake in the beginnings of our parish. A statue in the saint’s honor stands on our southern side altar.
March 18th, Anniversary of Our Dedication: Efforts to establish an Italian church began as early as 1889 when the Italian women of North Denver organized a three-day fundraiser. In an article appearing in The Rocky Mountain News, May 31, 1889, the subheading reads: “Dark Eyed Ladies of North Denver Raising Church Funds.” In 1891, the Mount Carmel Society and Rev. Mariano Lepore, continued the endeavor. They eventually raised enough money to purchase several lots on Navajo Street where the first Italian church—dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel—was built. During the construction, threats were made. According to another article in The Rocky Mountain News, March 2, 1893, “…the neighbors did not want any ‘dago’ church in their vicinity and…it would not be allowed to remain…Unless some wise counsellor takes the matter in hand trouble is expected, for many of the Italians speak little English and understand nothing of the situation except that their enemies will not allow their church to be finished.” Nevertheless, the Italians prevailed and the church was dedicated on Palm Sunday, March 18, 1894, fulfilling a huge need for Italian Catholics.
March 19th, Feast of St. Joseph: The foster-father of Jesus is widely celebrated among Italians, particularly those from the south. It was almost a given that the Italian church venerate St. Joseph with a statue behind the main altar. It follows that we would then host a meatless feast in his honor. La Tavola di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Table) is an age-old Sicilian tradition and we mark its 45th year here at Mt. Carmel this weekend. The first St. Joseph’s Table was held on Sunday, March 19, 1978 and our 45th will fall on the exact same date.
On our 129th anniversary, we are, as always, grateful beyond words. Grazie a Dio.