A bustling street corner. A quiet sanctuary. This is St Anthony of Padua Church. A haven for Italian immigrants since 1859. It began humbly. A priest named Sanguinetti arrived from Italy. He sought to serve the growing Italian community. Many had stopped practicing their faith. They lacked a place to worship in their native tongue. Sanguinetti leased space from St Vincent de Paul. However he soon returned to Italy disheartened. The Italian community refused to let his work fade. Archbishop McCloskey called upon the Franciscan friars. Friar Leo Pacilio took charge. He re-established St Anthony of Padua Church in 1866. It was once a Methodist Episcopal Church. The Franciscan friars continue to run the church today.
Between 1886 and 1888 a new church was built. Architect Arthur Crooks designed it in the Romanesque Revival style. The friars lived in the first church. Eventually they built a separate friary on Thompson Street. It became their provincial headquarters. The church’s Houston Street facade was hidden by buildings. These were demolished when Houston Street was widened in the 1930s. The church now uses this space as a garden. For many years a school operated nearby. It served the community from 1902 to 2005.
Tragedy struck in 1938. The friary caught fire. Friar Richard Fagan risked his life twice. He rescued fellow friars Fathers Vitale and Pons. He perished in a third attempt. He was just 27. A park now honors his bravery. It stands at Sixth Avenue and Prince Streets.
St Anthony of Padua Church has witnessed immense change. It has served waves of Italian immigrants. It has survived fires and urban renewal. It has been a constant for generations. The church continues its vital role in the community. It remains a testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of New York City. Today as you stand before it remember the sacrifices and the unwavering faith that built this place.