Madonna Church (Archdiocese of Newark)

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (Madonna Church)
Dedication:	Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Venerated Saints:	None specified
Diocese:	Archdiocese of Newark
Deanery:
Address:	340 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Coordinates:	40.8503, -73.9701
City:	Fort Lee, NJ
Subdivision:	New Jersey
Country:	United States
County:	Bergen County
Website:	https://www.madonnachurch.org/
Founded:	1906
School:	Yes
Email:	No email specified

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, commonly known as Madonna Church, is a territorial parish in the Archdiocese of Newark, located in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—the patroness of the Carmelite Order, venerated for her promise of the Brown Scapular and protection of souls, especially at the hour of death—the parish serves a diverse, multicultural community in Bergen County, with a strong tradition of Italian heritage and Italian-language ministry.

Founded in 1906 to serve Italian immigrant families settling in Fort Lee, the parish has maintained its identity as "Madonna Church" in local usage, reflecting the Italian devotion to the Madonna (Mary). The current church building, reflecting mid-twentieth-century design, was dedicated in the postwar era. As of January 10, 2026, Our Lady of Mount Carmel offers regular Masses in English and Italian, faith formation programs, and ministries supporting spiritual growth and community service, including a dedicated Korean-language phone line for pastoral care.

The parish community honors its patroness through special celebrations on July 16 (Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) and promotes the Brown Scapular as a sign of consecration to Mary.

History

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish was established in 1906 by the Archdiocese of Newark to provide pastoral care for Italian immigrant families arriving in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

The early community celebrated Masses in temporary locations, such as private homes and rented halls, due to the modest size of the initial congregation. The parish grew steadily with continued Italian immigration and the borough’s development. The current church building was constructed and dedicated in the mid-twentieth century, accommodating the increasing number of parishioners.

Over the decades, the parish has adapted to demographic changes while preserving its Italian devotional traditions, including the use of "Madonna Church" as a familiar local name.

Special features

• Masses in English and Italian, maintaining the parish’s historical Italian heritage
• Dedicated Korean-language pastoral support (phone: 201-803-7557)
• Strong devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, including the tradition of scapular enrollment and blessings
• Patronal feast on July 16, celebrated with special Masses and processions

Relics

According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.

Architecture

The current church building, constructed in the mid-twentieth century, reflects postwar ecclesiastical design with a simple yet dignified style suited to communal worship.

Art and devotional features

Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources. Devotional elements typically include representations of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, often portraying Mary presenting the Brown Scapular to Saint Simon Stock, a key scene from Carmelite tradition.