Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello is no stranger to the community and parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, where he was installed as its tenth pastor at the 11a.m. mass on June 18th. Nearly thirty years ago he was a seminarian at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. He remembers a good many veteran parishioners and they remember him. He even hoisted the Giglio back in 1994.
One of Father Jamie’s goals as pastor is to, “Get more people to come back to church.” He
is active in reaching out to the newer community in the neighborhood. His regular walks through the neighborhood give him the opportunity to interact with people. “I’m more of a hands-on guy. I like to be present with the people.” In addition, he has enacted ideas to attract the younger generations’ participation in the church, such as: adding an evening mass on Sundays, starting a rosary society, inviting children to play a more active role during mass.
Bishop Nicolas Di Marzio presided at the pastor installation. He mentioned that Father Jamie’s last name translated to: Little Giant, and he went on to say, “I needed someone with his energy to take over this parish.” And “You got a big lift to
do.” This alluded to the need to increase church attendance and gave a nod to the upcoming Giglio Feast.
The attendance of the installation was beyond standing room only. Local community torchbearers attended, such as: Phil Caponegro (Conselyea Street Block President), Captain Pete Rose (94th Precinct), District Leader Tommy Torres, and Felicia Pecoraro (St. Nicks Alliance Board Member). Plus the mass was livestreamed.
Pastor Gigantiello chose a quote from St. Teresa of Calcutta for his installation’s mass card, “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” A quite apropos quote as his manner inspires unity and engagement, which imbues a sense of great potential.
The Greenline 