Much of Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio Jr.’s secular life and sacred life has revolved around his Italian heritage. Cariglio retired earlier this month after 39 years as the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Youngstown, which later became the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Anthony of Padua Church. The Roman Catholic parish is known for its Italian heritage festival and continuing the Italian traditions of its parishioners.

“Both of my parents were born in Italy. My mother is from Abruzzo and my father is from Puglia,” Cariglio said. He grew up in Ravenna, and attended Mass at Immaculate Conception Church and went to elementary and junior high at Immaculate Conception School. The ethnic background of the downtown Ravenna parish included a group of Italian-Americans.