In 1888 a Manchester priest, Father Tynan, realised the need for a society for the local Italian people. Members of the community supported the Father and the Manchester Italian Catholic Society was formed. An event that became popular in the Little Italy calendar was the spectacular 'Festa of the Madonna of Mount Carmel'. This event later became the 'Festa of the Madonna of the Rosario'. Men of the community carried the statue of the Blessed Virgin through the streets of the city. Father Pappalardo was very much involved with the organising committee in the early days and he continued the good work started by Father Tynan. The procession started from St. Vincent's Convent, in St. Vincent's Street (just off Redhill Street, New Islington). For many years the sisters helped the Italian community (the convent closed in the 1960s). As times moved on, the Italians also attached themselves to St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Nowdays the procession starts from St Michaels.
