The Italian Procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Clerkenwell London

In 1883, twenty years after St Peter’s Italian Church was consecrated, permission was sought from the local authorities and police force to hold the very first “Italian Procession” in the streets of Clerkenwell.  It is said that Queen Victoria gave her special consent to the local police Chief of Holborn for it to take place.  This was of great significance as this was to be the first outdoor Catholic event held in England since the reformation of King Henry VIII.

The procession was to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  An annual occurrence did not take place until 1896.   However from then onwards it was a regular event each July, except during the war years when such gatherings were banned.

The feast day falls on the 16th July and the procession was held on the first weekend following this date.

Here are some photos of the Procession in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in recent years: