Celebrating the 64th Anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Cruz Bay, St. John, United States Virgin Islands
“Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with joy, and embrace the future with hope.”
— Pope Francis
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, with hearts overflowing with thanksgiving, we celebrate the 64th Anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Cruz Bay, St. John. This sacred milestone is more than a celebration of years; it is a celebration of God’s enduring faithfulness and of a community that has remained steadfast in faith, hope, and love.
For sixty-four years, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has stood as a spiritual home where generations have encountered Christ through the Eucharist, the Sacraments, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the fellowship of God’s people. Here children have been baptized into the family of God, couples have pledged their lives to one another in holy matrimony, young people have been strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and our beloved faithful have been commended to the mercy of God.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we remember with deep gratitude our founders, Mr. and Mrs. Callahan, whose vision, generosity, and unwavering faith helped establish this parish in the early 1960s. Through their sacrifice and commitment, the first church became a reality, creating a place where the Catholic faith could flourish on the island of St. John. Their generosity continues to inspire us, reminding us that every lasting work of God begins with faithful hearts willing to answer His call.
We also remember with gratitude every pastor, priest, deacon, religious sister and brother, parish staff member, catechist, choir member, volunteer, benefactor, and parishioner who has contributed to the life of this parish. Their faith and dedication have made Our Lady of Mount Carmel not simply a building, but a vibrant community of believers.
Like the people of the Virgin Islands themselves, our parish has weathered many storms. We have endured hurricanes, economic hardships, and seasons of uncertainty. Yet through every trial, God has remained faithful. Time and again, we have witnessed His providence through the generosity, resilience, and steadfast faith of His people.
As we give thanks for our past, we must also look with hope toward the future. The Lord continues to call our parish to be His hands and His heart in the world. Today, that call is expressed in two important missions that will shape the future of our parish and our outreach to the wider community.
The first is the construction of our Homeless Shelter, a ministry born from the Gospel mandate to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Every person deserves dignity, compassion, and hope. We envision a place where those who are struggling can find shelter, encouragement, and the loving presence of Christ through the ministry of His Church.
The second is the construction of St. Thérèse Chapel, which will become a sacred place of prayer, Eucharistic devotion, and spiritual renewal for generations to come. Inspired by the “Little Flower,” whose simple yet profound way of holiness continues to inspire the faithful, this chapel will stand as a lasting witness that prayer remains the heart of every Christian mission.
These projects are not simply construction efforts; they are acts of faith. They are expressions of our desire to build both the Kingdom of God and a more compassionate community. They will touch lives long after we ourselves are gone, becoming a lasting legacy for future generations.
As your pastor, I humbly invite every member of our parish family, our friends throughout the Virgin Islands, and all people of goodwill to join us in these sacred endeavors. I ask you first to pray fervently that God will bless these projects according to His holy will. I also pray that He will touch the hearts of generous benefactors and philanthropic partners who share our vision of serving Christ through service to His people.
May the Lord raise up men and women of generosity who will help bring these dreams to completion. May He bless those who have already contributed and inspire many others to become partners in this mission. Every prayer offered, every act of kindness, and every gift — large or small — becomes part of the living legacy of this parish and a testimony to God’s providence.
As we celebrate 64 years of God’s blessings, let us recommit ourselves to being faithful stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to us. Let us preserve the rich heritage handed down by our founders while courageously embracing the mission that lies before us.
May the example of Mr. and Mrs. Callahan continue to inspire us to build with faith, to serve with humility, and to trust always in God’s providence.
Entrusting our parish once again to the loving care of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we ask her to watch over every family on St. John, to protect our beloved Virgin Islands, to strengthen the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and to guide us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
May she intercede for the successful completion of our Homeless Shelter and St. Thérèse Chapel. May God send us generous benefactors whose hearts are moved by His Spirit, so that these works of mercy and faith may soon become a reality for His people.
With profound gratitude for the past, confidence in the present, and hope for the future, let us continue our journey together as one family in Christ.
May Our Lady of Mount Carmel pray for us.
May Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus inspire us to do great things with great love.
May Saint John the Baptist intercede for our island home.
And may Almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son ✠, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In Christ,
Rev. Fr. Anthony Abraham
Pastor