Founded shortly after the Catholic University of America the Franciscan Monastery and the Dominican House of Studies Saint Anthony of Padua Church stands proudly in Washington DC’s Brookland neighborhood. This area affectionately known as “Little Rome” is a testament to the rich Catholic history of the city.
Picture this It’s 1891. Antoinette Margot an associate of Clara Barton and a founding member of the International Red Cross arrives in the burgeoning Brookland area. She along with her friend Leonide Delarue sees a need for a Catholic parish. They seek the help of Father Henri Hyvernat head of the Ancient Languages Department at the Catholic University of America.
Their efforts led to the first Mass celebrated on September 19 1891 in the home of Miss Margot and Miss Delarue. Imagine the scene a humble gathering of the first parishioners including members of the Brooks Julien Yznaga Gannon Paige and Rianhardt families. This small gathering laid the foundation for the Saint Anthony of Padua Church we see today.
Cardinal James Gibbons officially established the parish appointing Desire C DeWulf as the first pastor. The church wasn’t always located at its current address. It started as a small mission eventually growing into the beautiful structure that we stand before today. The church stands adjacent to Saint Anthony Catholic School a part of the Consortium of Catholic Academies.
The growth of the parish reflects the development of Brookland itself. It grew from a small community surrounding a university to a thriving neighborhood deeply rooted in its Catholic identity. Saint Anthony of Padua Church has been a spiritual anchor for generations witnessing countless weddings baptisms and other important milestones. The story of Saint Anthony of Padua Church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith community and the enduring spirit of those who built it. It’s a story interwoven with the fabric of Brookland’s history. A story that continues to unfold every day.