Pause for a moment here at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. This is a place where faith and community intertwine. The church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Bronx.
St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Church’s story began in 1927. It quickly became a focal point for the Roman Catholic community. The first church building was completed in 1930. Anthony J. DePace designed it. He was a local Bronx resident. DePace designed many Catholic buildings throughout the Northeastern United States.
Tragedy struck around 1970 when a fire destroyed the original church. Imagine the heartbreak of the parishioners as they watched their beloved church burn. But from the ashes rose a new St. Theresa’s. DePace rebuilt it in a modern style. This demonstrates the community’s resilience and determination.
The parish is more than just a church. It has a school that was run by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. These sisters helped educate children. Their principals included Sr. Mary Bernard, Sr. Theresa Francis, Elaine F. Ludwig, Anne Gevlin and Josephine Fannelli.
The annual Summer Feast is another highlight. It brings people together with activities and events. This shows the church’s role in fostering community spirit.
Over the years, several priests have led St. Theresa’s. Monsignor Bonaventure J. Filitti served from the opening until 1946. Father Mario J. Ponsiglione followed from 1946 to 1974. Msgr. Mazziotta served from 1974 to 1980. Msgr. John Guido led from 1980 to 1991. Father Robert Grippo served from 1991 to 2014. Msgr. Thomas Derivan has been serving since 2014. Each priest has contributed to the church’s spiritual guidance.
Today, St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church continues to be a vibrant part of the Bronx. It offers mass in multiple languages. This includes Italian and Spanish. It also provides services like Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions. These cater to the diverse needs of its parishioners.
As we stand here, remember the fire that once threatened to erase this church. Remember the community that rebuilt it. St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of faith, resilience, and community. It is a place where everyone is welcome.