Saint Augustine Chapel

Gazing upon Saint Augustine Chapel, one can almost hear the echoes of history whispering through its aged bricks. This unassuming chapel, nestled in South Boston, holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic church in Massachusetts. It began not as a grand cathedral, but as a humble tribute to friendship and faith. Saint Augustine Chapel’s story starts in 1818 with the death of Father Francis Matignon. His close friend, Bishop Jean Cheverus, purchased land in South Boston for $680 to serve as a Catholic cemetery. This cemetery, now the oldest Catholic burying ground in New England, became Father Matignon’s final resting place. A year later, in 1819, a small brick chapel was constructed over Matignon’s grave, a simple mortuary chapel meant for quiet remembrance. This modest structure, measuring a mere twenty by thirty feet, was named Saint Augustine Chapel, a nod to the Irish Augustinian friar, Father Philip Lariscy, who had raised funds for its construction. Bishop Cheverus himself often sought solace within Saint Augustine Chapel’s walls. He appreciated its Gothic-style windows, reminiscent of the ancient churches of his native France. He found peace in this quiet sanctuary, shaded by elms on the slopes of Mount Washington. The chapel’s story, however, didn’t end as a simple mortuary chapel. As South Boston’s Catholic population grew, Saint Augustine Chapel evolved. It became a parish church, a place for the living as well as the dead. It even served as a temporary place of worship while the larger St. Augustine’s Church was being built further down Dorchester Street. Over two centuries, Saint Augustine Chapel has witnessed the changing landscape of Boston and the growth of its Catholic community. More than a thousand souls rest in its adjacent cemetery. Amongst them are not only Father Matignon but also prominent figures of the early American Catholic Church, including the first priest ordained by Bishop Cheverus and several members of the Healy family. The Healy brothers, born in Georgia to an Irish immigrant father and an enslaved mother, made significant contributions to the Church. Four sons became priests, and three daughters became nuns. One son, James Augustine Healy, even became the Bishop of Portland. Their story is a testament to the diverse and often overlooked narratives within American Catholic history. Today, standing before Saint Augustine Chapel, we’re not just looking at bricks and mortar. We’re looking at a testament to enduring friendship, unwavering faith, and the evolving story of a community. It’s a story of humble beginnings, unexpected growth, and quiet perseverance. A story etched not just in stone, but in the hearts of those who have found solace and community within its hallowed walls.