Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Youngstown, Ohio, USA Verified listing

Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Youngstown, Ohio, USA

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Catholic minor basilica in Youngstown, Ohio. It began in 1908 as a mission of St. Anthony of Padua Church, founded by Rev. Emmanuel Stabile. He created it to serve Italian immigrants living in the area.

Before this, many immigrants attended Mass at St. Columba Cathedral or Saints Cyril and Methodius Church. However, they wanted a church that reflected their language and culture. In October 1909, the parish started building the church basement. They roofed it and used it for Mass while continuing construction.

The mission became a full parish in 1913, and Rev. Vito Franco became the first resident pastor. By 1916, the full church building was complete. The parish continued to grow and became a center of Italian-American life in Youngstown.

In 1979, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition came because of its architectural style and connection to European immigration. In 2011, the parish merged with St. Anthony of Padua, its founding church.

Three years later, Pope Francis elevated the church to the status of a minor basilica. This title is reserved for churches with special historical, spiritual, or architectural significance.

Today, the basilica remains active and vibrant. Each year at the end of July, the community hosts an Italian Festival in the church’s parking lot. The event brings together food, music, and celebration, honoring both tradition and faith.

For More Churches