The History of Our Lady of Mount Carmel - St. Ann Parish

The early Italian immigrants in Worcester attended Mass and Devotions at St. Stephen's Church (Irish Parish) located on Grafton Hill. As the number of Italians increased, it became evident that a parish would have to be established for them in order that they may worship in their native tongue.  In 1894 Father Miglione launched a drive to organize a parish for the Italian speaking people. He worked hard on this project for five years without success.

At the turn of the century, Italians in Worcester numbered about 4,000. In 1904 Monsignor Gioacchino Maffei arrived in Worcester to become spiritual leader of this large group. He at once renewed the project abandoned by Father Miglione. With the help of his people, Monsignor Maffei purchased a building at the corner of Eastern Avenue and Mulberry Street from the Swedish Baptist community. In November 1906 Bishop Beaven came to Worcester, officially established the new parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and blessed the building which was to be the church of the new parish.

As the years passed, the number of Italians continued to grow. It soon became apparent that a new church would have to be built. In 1928, the parish community joined together and donated the funds to build the magnificent Romanesque church. The cost was $232,000 and was paid in cash.

Monsignor Maffei died in 1945 and was succeeded by Monsignor Carpinella. He came to the parish at age 68 and served until his death in 1955. In his ten years, he was responsible for the building of Mount Carmel Educational Center in 1954, Our Lady of Loreto Church, and was instrumental in the founding of St Christopher's church in Greendale.

He was followed by Father Erminio Mastroianni. During his tenure, St Ann Church on the hill was no longer necessary, as most of its parishioners had moved away. It was turned over to his care and at one time he was responsible for Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Loreto, St Ann's, two rectories and seven priests. He was one of the first to fulfill the directives of Vatican II in making changes within the church and especially in the sanctuary.
 
Another directive of Vatican II was that bishops should change pastors after they had been in a parish for ten years. Father Mastroianni was transferred to St Ann in Leominster and was replaced at Our Lady of Mt Carmel by Rev. John Capuano on July 4, 1969. Father Capuano updated the census of the parish with his curates Father Michael DiGeronimo and Father Michael Merlucci, initiating an outstanding weekly prayer and healing service in our church.   He also paid off, with the help of the people, a significant parish debt.  He became ill in August 1985 and retired February 1, 1986. Father Capuano passed away on February 7, 1997.

Rev. Michael Bafaro succeeded Father Capuano in August 1985 and officially became pastor on February 1, 1986. On June 6, 1991, Father Bafaro had his long awaited dream come true with the official opening of the newly constructed seven story building-Our Lady of Mt Carmel Apartments, which is located at 50 Shrewsbury Street.   Father Bafaro stayed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel—St. Ann after retirement in 2008. 
 
After Reverend Michael Bafaro’s retirement in 2008, Monsignor Rocco
Piccolomini was named as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Ann parish. 
 
Following Monsignor Piccolomini’s retirement in 2012, Monsignor Pedone was named as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—St. Ann.  In 2017 Monsignor Pedone was also named Pastor of Our Lady of Loreto Church.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel - St. Ann Parish and Our Lady of Loreto Parish merged in 2017.  Monsignor Pedone is currently the pastor.  

Our Lady of Mount Carmel -St. Ann Church at 24 Mulberry Street was demolished in 2019 as it was deemed structurally unsafe.  The land was then sold to a private developer.