Nestled in the heart of the Morrisania neighborhood in the Bronx, St. Anthony of Padua Church is a vibrant parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Located at 822 East 166th Street, near Prospect Avenue, the church has a storied history of resilience, inclusivity, and community service. Since its founding in 1903, Saint Anthony of Padua has stood as a testament to the unwavering faith of its congregation and the changing cultural landscape of New York City. Today, the church continues to be a beacon of hope, welcoming visitors and parishioners to experience its rich heritage and spiritual mission.
St. Anthony of Padua Church, Bronx, NY
 |
| St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church |
The Origins of St. Anthony of Padua Church
Humble Beginnings with German Immigrants
The parish was established in 1903 by Fr. Otto Strack, primarily to serve the spiritual needs of German immigrants who had settled in Morrisania. In its early days, Masses were celebrated in a modest storefront building located at the corner of Home Street and Union Avenue. The rapid growth of the congregation soon necessitated a larger space to accommodate its members.On April 30, 1905, Archbishop John Farley (later Cardinal) dedicated a three-story building that combined a church on the first floor, a school on the second and third floors, and a convent on part of the third floor. This original building, which remains in use today as the Hispanic Charismatic Center of the Archdiocese, was constructed with the remarkable generosity of fifty-three parishioners, each contributing $1,000 (equivalent to approximately $30,000 in today’s dollars).
A New Church Emerges
By 1915, Fr. Joseph Rummel, who served as pastor, began efforts to build a new, larger church. Although he successfully raised $100,000, construction did not begin until his successor, Fr. Anthony Rothlauf, took charge. The present church was completed in 1928, and on June 10 of that year, Fr. Rummel—then Bishop of Omaha—returned to dedicate it. The elegant new church building became a focal point for the parish and the surrounding community.Adapting to a Changing Neighborhood
Demographic Shifts and Inclusivity
Throughout the mid-20th century, the Morrisania neighborhood underwent significant demographic changes. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Jewish population grew rapidly. During the Great Migration, many Black Americans moved to the Bronx from the southern United States. By the 1950s, a wave of Puerto Rican immigrants arrived, further enriching the cultural diversity of the area. St. Anthony of Padua’s leadership remained steadfast in embracing these changes, fostering an environment of inclusivity.Under the guidance of Fr. Rothlauf and subsequent pastors, the parish adopted a “color-blind” approach, ensuring that all were welcomed regardless of race or background. This commitment to unity and acceptance made St. Anthony’s a spiritual home for countless families during a period of profound social transformation.
Missionary Work and Community Building
The parish’s dedication to serving its diverse congregation was evident in the tireless work of its clergy and religious leaders. Fr. Bernard Russell (pastor, 1945–1966) and Msgr. Gerald Ryan collaborated with the Sisters of Maryknoll to integrate the community and provide educational and spiritual resources. During this period, many Black families embraced the Catholic faith, drawn by the parish’s inclusive spirit.One of the parish’s notable figures, Maryknoll Sister Maura Clarke, lived and taught at St. Anthony of Padua School from 1954 to 1959. She later became a martyr in El Salvador in 1980, remembered for her unwavering commitment to social justice and faith.
Challenges and Resilience in the South Bronx
The Decline of the Neighborhood
The 1970s brought immense challenges to the South Bronx, including rampant crime, poverty, and arson. Many buildings in the neighborhood were abandoned or destroyed, and the parish faced the difficult decision to close St. Anthony of Padua School in 1977. Despite these hardships, the parish remained a cornerstone of the community, providing spiritual and material support to those in need.
Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity
In 1976, the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, established a contemplative community in the convent of St. Anthony on Union Avenue. St. Mother Teresa herself lived briefly at the convent during its early days and returned several times for visits. The convent now houses some of her personal effects, making it a place of reverence and inspiration for visitors.A New Chapter: Embracing the Hispanic Community
As the demographics of the neighborhood continued to shift, St. Anthony of Padua adapted to serve its growing Hispanic population. In 1985, Bishop Francisco Garmendia, New York’s first Spanish-speaking bishop, relocated the Charismatic Center to the former school building. This marked a significant milestone in the parish’s mission to provide spiritual services in Spanish and foster a deeper connection with its Hispanic parishioners.
In 1987, Fr. Peter Ensenat, the first Puerto Rican priest of the Archdiocese, was appointed pastor. Following his untimely passing in 1990, Fr. Josu Iriondo took over, later becoming a bishop in 2001. The parish continued to grow under their leadership, and in 1998, the Siervas de Cristo Resucitado, a congregation of religious sisters, was founded at St. Anthony’s.
St. Anthony of Padua Today
Since 2015, Bishop Joseph Espaillat, who was consecrated as a bishop in 2022, has served as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua. Under his guidance, the parish remains a thriving spiritual community, offering a wide array of services and programs for its diverse congregation.
Mass Times
St. Anthony of Padua provides ample opportunities for worship:Saturday:
- 5:00 PM (Spanish)
Sunday:
- 8:30 AM (English)
- 10:30 AM (Spanish)
- 12:30 PM (English)
- 3:00 PM (Spanish, September–June)
Monday–Saturday:
- 9:00 AM (English, in Centro Chapel)
Monday–Friday:
- 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Confession Times
Saturday:
- 4:00 PM to 4:50 PM
- By appointment
Eucharistic Adoration
Monday–Friday:
- 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, concluding with Benediction at 6:15 PM
Mission Statement
The parish of St. Anthony of Padua defines its mission as:“Our family is a haven for the weary, wounded, and broken, where all are welcomed to encounter God’s love and grow in it through worship and the sacraments. Our family is a school of evangelization, equipping and empowering missionary disciples to invite everyone home to Heaven.”
Why Visit St. Anthony of Padua Church?
1. Rich History: Explore the church’s origins as a German immigrant parish and its transformation into a multicultural community.
2. Spiritual Experience: Participate in Mass, Confession, or Eucharistic Adoration in a welcoming environment.
3. Cultural Significance: Learn about the parish’s role in the South Bronx’s history, including its connections to Mother Teresa and Maryknoll missionaries.
4. Architectural Beauty: Admire the timeless design of the church, which stands as a symbol of faith and resilience.
5. Community Impact: Witness the parish’s ongoing efforts to serve its diverse congregation and foster spiritual growth.
Plan Your Visit
Address: 822 East 166th Street, Bronx, NY
Parish Office Hours:
- Monday–Friday:
- 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Official website: sapbronx.com
Conclusion
For over a century, St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church (Wikipedia) has been a steadfast presence in the Bronx, embodying faith, inclusivity, and community service. Whether you’re a local parishioner or a visitor seeking inspiration, this historic church invites you to experience its enduring legacy and vibrant spiritual life. Come and witness the remarkable story of a parish that has weathered challenges, embraced change, and remained a beacon of hope for generations.
