July 16, 2026

Historic sister parish agreement unites Springfield and Rome under Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

REGIONAL
Staff report

Stigmatine Father Robert White, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, Salvatore Circosta, president of the Springfield Sons and Daughters of Italy and other members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish pose for a picture in Rome, after a Mass celebrating the sister parish relationship between Mt. Carmel and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Traspontina in Rome. (IObserve photo/courtesy of Salvatore Circosta) 

ROME, Italy. — In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church and the Italian-American community, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Springfield, and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Traspontina in Rome have officially entered into a gemellaggio (sister parish relationship), becoming the first parish in the United States to establish such a relationship with a Roman basilica.

The historic ceremony took place in Rome last month and was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, marking the beginning of a permanent spiritual bond between the two Marian communities dedicated to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

The gemellaggio establishes a lasting relationship of prayer, friendship, pilgrimage, cultural exchange, and mutual support between the two churches, strengthening ties between Springfield and the heart of the Catholic Church.

The historic initiative was conceived, organized, and coordinated by the Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy, St. Padre Pio Chapter #3013.

“This is a defining moment not only for our local Italian club and parish, but for our entire community,” said Salvatore Circosta, president of the Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy, St. Padre Pio Chapter #3013.

“To create the first gemellaggio in history between an American parish and a Roman basilica is something that will forever be part of Springfield’s legacy. Our organization was founded to preserve our Italian heritage, but this accomplishment goes even further. It strengthens our Catholic faith while building an enduring bridge between our hometown and Rome for future generations,” Circosta said.

The gemellaggio holds special significance because both churches share a deep devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, allowing the faithful in Springfield and Rome to celebrate their common spiritual heritage while fostering closer collaboration between the two communities.

“Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has always brought people together,” said Riccardo Albano, president of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast in Springfield. “Our annual feast has long celebrated the faith and traditions brought here by our Italian ancestors. This sister parish relationship takes that tradition to an entirely new level by creating a permanent connection with one of Rome’s historic basilicas. It is an honor that will inspire our community for generations.”

Stigmatine Father Robert White, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, said the agreement reflects the universal nature of the Catholic Church.

“This gemellaggio reminds us that the Church is truly one family,” Father White said.

“Although separated by an ocean, we are united through our faith, our devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and our shared mission to bring people closer to Christ. This historic relationship is a tremendous blessing for our parish, and I pray it will deepen the faith of all who participate in it,” he added.

The announcement comes on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, a day celebrated by Catholics throughout the world in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title as patroness of the Carmelite Order.

Circosta said parishioners in Springfield and Rome look forward to future exchanges, pilgrimages, shared celebrations, and continued collaboration that will further strengthen the bond established through this historic gemellaggio.

“With this unprecedented agreement, Springfield’s Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has secured a unique place in history, forging a permanent spiritual connection with one of Rome’s most treasured basilicas and further affirming the enduring faith and heritage of the city’s Italian-American community,” he said.