How often do you find a sanctuary amidst the hustle? Right here at 100 Arch Street stands St. Anthony Shrine. It is affectionately known as the Church on Arch Street. This has been a cornerstone of the Boston community since 1947.
St. Anthony Shrine welcomes all. The Franciscan friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe direct it. They follow St. Francis of Assisi’s legacy. They embrace service, simplicity, and spiritual renewal.
Let’s step back to the 19th century. The Franciscan friars arrived in Boston. In 1873, they founded St. Leonard of Port Maurice Church. It was the first Italian parish in the United States. It is located in Boston’s North End.
In 1944, Archbishop Richard Cushing suggested a downtown ministry. Property was acquired on Arch Street. By Ash Wednesday 1947, the chapel at 103 Arch Street opened. The friars then moved into their new living spaces.
The shrine quickly became a hub. In its first year, 300000 confessions were heard. After three years, daily Masses exceeded 1500 attendees. A larger space was needed. Construction began on the current St. Anthony Shrine at 100 Arch Street.
The doors of the new St. Anthony Shrine opened December 31, 1954. The cost to build it was $4.5 million. That is well over $30 million today.
Cardinal Cushing joked at the dedication. He said he gave the Franciscans permission to build a chapel and friary. Instead, they constructed a basilica and a hotel. But he was delighted.
The mosaic behind the altar was created by Peppino Mangravite. He was an American Modernist painter.
In 1981, the friars opened a breadline. By 1983, they served 200 people daily. Louis Canino, OFM, purchased an eleven-story building. It was a few blocks away on Boylston Street. This became St. Francis House. It offered sit-down meals.
St. Francis House now is the largest day center for the homeless in Massachusetts. It serves around 500 poor and homeless people every day.
Today, St. Anthony Shrine continues its mission. Though the number of friars has decreased, the Shrine still serves the public. It offers programs for the homeless, grieving, and poor. The Shrine also provides assistance for those with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Mass remains a draw. The six-piece Arch Street Band often plays. St. Anthony Shrine continues to be a beacon. It embodies the spirit of St. Francis. The friars are eager to serve God’s people in downtown Boston. As they celebrate their past, they look forward to a future. They trust that God and St. Anthony will continue to bless their work. The Church on Arch Street will stand for many years.