Lady of Pity Roman Catholic Church

Tucked away on Staten Island, the Lady of Pity Roman Catholic Church has witnessed a century of stories. It began as a simple mission in 1913, a beacon for the Italian Catholic community. The Lady of Pity Church wasn’t always at its current location. Initially, Mount Carmel’s pastor, Father Louis Riccio, held mass in homes. A small chapel arose in Graniteville in 1919. Four years later, the Lady of Pity officially became a parish, with Father John Gallo as its first pastor. A church building was constructed on Richmond Avenue in 1924. The annual feast of St. Michael the Archangel became a cherished tradition at the Lady of Pity Roman Catholic Church. The festivities included food, dancing, and a vibrant parade featuring a statue of St. Michael. Even during World War II, the Lady of Pity Church opened its doors to Italian POWs. These POWs, granted day passes, attended services and social events, some even finding love and marrying within the parish. As the community diversified, the Lady of Pity Roman Catholic Church transitioned to a territorial parish in 1954. Foreseeing the construction of the Staten Island Expressway, the church leadership wisely acquired land at its current location. A parish hall and rectory were built. In 1988, the present Lady of Pity Roman Catholic Church was dedicated by Archbishop John Cardinal O’Connor. The Lady of Pity Roman Catholic Church remains a vital part of the community. It hosts an annual 9/11 commemoration and serves as a gathering place for the Sri Lankan Catholic Community. The church also merged with St. Anthony of Padua in 2015, further enriching its history and community.