SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH MARKED BY GREAT ZEAL

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1 SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH MARKED BY GREAT ZEAL Blessing and Dedication of the new Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Chicopee, Massachusetts, October 24, 1971, p CAP at Orchard Lake. The beginnings of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish were smail-like the grain of mustard seed in the Gospel-filled with hardships and often beset with seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Those initial years were painful years of growth marked with arduous toil, blighted hopes, and bitter disappointments. In the course of time however the pioneers saw the parish flourish and, more recently, flower in its beautiful church to God. It was in 1925 that some 60 families, who had moved from South Holyoke and Chicopee into the Willimansett area of Chicopee, met to discuss the advisibility of organizing a parish and of building a church. The hardships caused by great distances and inadequate traveling facilities to the already existent Churches of St. Stanislaus, B.M., Chicopee and Mater Dolorosa, Holyoke, prompted these Poles to move for the founding of a new parish. As early as August of that year the Franciscan Conventuals of Mater Dolorosa Parish, Holyoke were em powered by the trustees to place the proposal and petition for the new parish before Bishop Thomas M. O'Leary. Because Mater Dolorosa Parish at that time was free of debt and had a balance of a few thousand dollars in the bank, Bishop O'Leary consented to the proposal and advised the Franciscans to find a suitable site for the new church. On the recommendation of the Very Reverend Provincial Justin Figas, Bishop O'Leary entrusted the Rev. Stephen Musielak, O.F.M. Conv., then curate at the Mater Dolorosa Church, with the task of organizing the new parish. Father Stephen went to work immediately enrolling members into the new parish and soliciting funds. To accommodate the faithful with an immediate place for worship, provisions were made to conduct services in the Parish Hall of the Church of Nativity, through the generous cooperation of the Pastor of the Church, Rev. L. A. Simard. The first Mass of the newly organized parish was celebrated by Rev. Stephen Musielak on August 9, Meanwhile the Rev. Bonawenture Santor, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor of Mater Dolorosa Church in Holyoke, was delegated to select a suitable site for the Church of the newly organized Parish. Before the purchase of land was made however Rev. Bonawenture Santor was reassigned and the Rev. Theodore Kaczmarek, O.F.M. Conv. was appointed Pastor of Mater Dolorosa Church. In September of 1925 Father Theodore purchased 14 acres of land located between Senecal (now St. Anthony) and Enright (now Celestine) streets for the sum of $9,500 from the Leo Senecal Estate. This money was donated by the Mater Dolorosa Church of Holyoke. St. Stanislaus Church of Chicopee 1

2 later donated a boiler, a church organ, and other useful and necessary equipment. At the Provicial Chapter of 1926 Father Celestine Rozewicz, O.F.M. Conv., then curate at Mater Dolorosa Church, was proposed for pastor of the newly-organized parish. Through Father Celestine's untiring efforts, plans were formulated for the new church. George Dion of Springfield was chosen as the architect and Boleslaus Grabowski of Holyoke was named general contractor. It had been decided that the building would house the church and the school and would be constructed at a cost of $75,000. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on July 25, They were conducted by Father Theodore and the homily was preached by Father Lawrence Cyman, O.F.M. Conv., pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish, Chicopee. The first Mass in the new building was celebrated by Father Celestine on Palm Sunday April 10,1927. On May 29, 1927 His Excellency the Most Rev. Thomas M. O'Leary blessed the corner-stone and the new Church-school building. On completion of the edifice, Father Celestine converted a room over the sacristy to serve as his living quarters. This arrangement however proved unsatisfactory and, therefore, with the permission of Bishop O'Leary construction of a rectory was begun in the third week of September Oswald Vachon of Holyoke was chosen as architect and Boleslaus Grabowski once again became the general contractor. The rectory was completed and occupied before Christmas of that year. The cost was $15,000. In the spring of 1936 the entire Willimansett area was hit by a flood and great damage was done to St. Anthony Church and School. For a time hereafter Masses for St. Anthony Parishioners were said at St. Stanislaus Church, Chicopee. After 13 fruitful years of pastorship at St. Anthony Parish Father Celestine Rozewicz was reassigned to St. Stanislaus Parish, Baltimore, Md. in Succeeding him as pastor was the Rev. Michael Cieslik, O.F.M. Conv. who remained for but a short time. Rev. Benign Ziemski, O.F.M. Conv. was appointed Pastor May 1, In 1942 he effectuated many changes. The interior of the church was completely remodelled and redecorated, the lighting system was improved, the floor was covered with inlaid rubber tile, the plain glass windows were replaced with stained-glass windows, a new communion railing, confessionals, and liturgical altars were installed. This work was done at a cost of $16, but through the generosity of the parishioners the money was raised in the same year. Through his administrative ability and hard work, the parish indebtness was greatly reduced. On September 18, 1948 Rev. Richard Brzozowski, O.F.M. Conv. succeed Father Benign and he too proved himself a capable spiritual leader and administrator. The debt of the parish was liquidated in March 1950 and many long-awaited improvements were made in the church, the parish hall, and the rectory. Father Richard died Christmas Day, During his pastorship the parish accumulated $58, in its savings account. The Rev. Claude Iskrzak, O.F.M. Conv. was appointed pastor in He saw the need of a new church and, in order to encourage the parishioners to increase the collections toward this end, introduced the Monthly Envelope System. 2

3 On October 15, 1958 Father Claude departed St. Anthony to become pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Shamokin, Pa. During his administration the parish savings account increased to $98,000. Father Emil Majchrzak, O.F.M. Conv. was formally installed as pastor of St. Anthony Parish by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Springfield Msgr. John Harrington on the 17th of October, During Father Emil's administration many improvements were made. He also recognized the need of a new church. In August of 1963 Father Emil was appointed pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish, Chicopee. During his tenure the parish savings account increased to $183, Father Leonard Pakulski, O.F.AA. Conv. became pastor of St. Anthony on the 21st of August, It was his intention to have the interior of the church painted and completely remodelled, but God had other plans for Father Leonard. On the 20th of August 1964 Father Leonard collapsed at the altar while celebrating Mass. This was the beginning of his sickness and thereafter he spent many months in the hospital. God called Father Leonard to his eternal reward March 1, During his short but fruitful administration, Father Leonard installed the altar facing the people and introduced the use of Missalets in order to help the Faithful to participate more meaningfully in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. At this time the parish savings increased to $208, Father Anselm Kwilos, O.F.M. Conv. was appointed pastor April 27, He was in the process of studying bids for the painting of the church interior when he suffered a fatal heart attack on September 22, He was succeeded by Father Raphael Wisniewski, O.F.M. Conv. on October 6,1966. Father Raphael also saw the need for a new church, but he saw too the present needs of the parish youth which he decided must be taken care of before all else. Foremost was the need to accommodate the Elementary Classes of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Father Raphael successfully negotiated and received permission from the Chicopee School Department on October 23, 1966 to hold classes on Saturday mornings at 9:00 o'clock at Chapin School. At this writing there are 260 elementary school children attending the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes which are conducted by five Sisters from Mater Dolorosa School, Holyoke, four Sisters from St. Stanislaus School, Chicopee, and two lay teachers. During the month of October, 1966 an ecumenical basketball league was formed at St. Anthony Parish along with a Women's Bowling League. At this time too a parish bulletin in Polish and English was introduced. In 1967 baseball and Softball were introduced, the Knights of the Altar formed, and the Ladies Guild established among parish activities. A weekly envelope system was introduced in the parish March 3, The offerings in the first year increased a hundred per cent. Through Mr. Joseph Suozzi, Building Consultant of the Diocese, Father Raphael was informed that the Bishop wished to meet with him at the Bishop's residence on March 12, At this meeting the Bishop informed Father Raphael that the painting and remodelling of the church was not feasible. It was at this time that Father Raphael made the suggestion to build either a centralized CCD Center for the Willimansett area or a new church. 3

4 On August 12, 1968 His Excellency Christopher J. Weldon, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, inspected the church building. After his examination, the Bishop urged Father Raphael to form a Parish Council and to ascertain their thinking relative to the parish church. The Parish Council was established on September 6, 1968 with Mr. Richard Zagranski as Chairman. With Father Raphael's approval the Parish Council delegated Mr. Richard Zagranski to compose and transmit a letter to the Bishop petitioning him to meet with the members and to discuss plans for a new church. The letter was mailed on October 9,1968. The Bishop met with the Parish Council in the parish hall on November 6, His Excellency presented four alternatives to the Council: (1) to build a new school, (2) to erect a parish social center, (3) to build a centralized CCD Center, (4) to erect a new church. After a vote the Parish Council decided in favor of a new church and conversion of the old church into a parish social center. November 10,1968 was a historical day for the parish. For the first time a lay person, Mr. Richard Zagranski, Chairman of the Parish Council, was granted permission to speak at all the Masses and explain what had transpired at the meeting between the Bishop and the Parish Council. Since permission had been granted to erect a new church in the very near future, Mr. Zagranski encouraged the faithful to contribute at least one dollar every Sunday toward the building fund. Between the dates of February 25, 1969 and May 28, 1969 the Parish Council met three times with Mr. Joseph Suozzi, the Building Consultant of the Diocese, and Mr. Henry Tessier and Robert Tessier, architects. As a result of these meetings, the Parish Council voted favorably on a Colonial Style Church facing St. Anthony Street and connected to the existing rectory. Bishop Weldon met with Father Raphael on the 4th of June 1969 to discuss plans for the new church. The Bishop examined three sketches presented by Mr. Henry Tessier, architect, and decided on the Colonial Style Church. The Bishop met with the Parish Council on July 21, 1969 in the parish hall. Although His Excellency was in favor of a new church he decided nevertheless that construction be delayed until The Bishop gave these reasons: (1) lack of construction workers and (2) cost of construction at that time was too high. It was on April 24,1970 that the Bishop approved the final blueprints for the new church and gave his consent to submit them for bids. At a later date Mr. Joseph Suozzi telephoned Father Raphael to inform him that the Bishop was inviting not only the Parish Council but also all parishioners to the parish hall on May 28, 1970 at 7:30 p.m. to witness the opening of the sealed bids for the new church. The opening of the seven bids submitted however was delayed until June 3, Because of the Bishop's illness, Monsignor Robert E. Foudy, Chancellor of the Diocese of Springfield, presided at the meeting in the Parish Hall. E. W. Larkin & Co. of Springfield, Mass. was declared the lowest bidder in the sum of $589,400. This cost bid for the construction however was considered excessive for the parish in the light of its statistical financial potential. 4

5 SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH MARKED BY GREAT ZEAL Shortly after the opening of bids Father Raphael was summoned to the Chancery Office for a very important meeting regarding the lowest bid for the new church. Monsignor Foudy presided at this meeting with Father Raphael in the presence of Mr. Joseph Suozzi, Building Consultant, Mr. Henry Tessier, Architect, and Mr. Edward Larkin, President of the E. W. Larkin & Co. The matter of the moment was to find ways to decrease the cost of the proposed church. Those present were informed that if Mr. Larkin agreed to reduce by $62,000 the original bid of $589,400, the Bishop would gladly grant permission for the construction of the new church. At this meeting it was decided to eliminate the electrical heating, air-conditioning, and the connecting corridor from the new church to the rectory to effectuate the desired cost construction. On July 15,1970, since Mr. Larkin agreed to reduce by $62,000 the original bid, the Bishop Granted permission to the E. W. Larkin & Co. for the construction of the new church. Monsignor Foudy at this time informed Father Raphael that electrical heating would be installed and that provisions for future air-conditioning would be made in the new church. The Bishop also agreed to the construction of a connecting corridor between the new church and the rectory. We witnessed the beginnings of the construction on July 20,1970 when Mr. Larkin ordered the trees and hedges removed from the site of the new church construction. Two days later on July 22, 1970 the Most Reverend Christopher J. Weldon in the presence of many priests, nuns, city officials and parishioners broke ground for the new church. Through the summer, fall and winter which followed construction was continuous. By winter the external shell of the church was completed, windows were installed and work continued inside of the structure. On March 3, 1971 the church steeple was set in place. By March 14 the interior brick work and painting were completed. On March 28 it was decided to postpone the date of dedication which, according to the original plan, had been scheduled for the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, June 13. This was due in part to the delay in the shipment of the altar from Sicily, Italy. With the arrival of good weather the activity shifted to the outdoors. On May 17th the concrete sidewalks were completed on St. Anthony, Meadow and Celestine Streets and on June 6th the parking lot was paved. On June 20th the Chestnicka Landscape Nursery, Inc. from Westfield, Massachusetts set off the beautiful lines of the church by landscaping the property with trees, shrubs, and lawns. The following day the Carillon Bells from I. T. Verdin were installed and, in the test which followed, sent out their first sweet tones hereafter to become the pride of Saint Anthony Parish and Pioneer Valley. Now the emphasis swung back to the church interior.on June 22,1971 the Ambo (Pulpit), Altar of Sacrifice and the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament, purchased through the Gasparri Studios of Bronx, N.Y., arrived from Sicily, Italy. The altars and pulpit are of royal pearl marble. The altar of sacrifice weighs five tons and the symbol on the altar signifies PEACE. The Altar of the Blessed Sacrament weighs one ton and the symbol thereon signifies THE BREAD OF LIFE. The ambo weighs one thousand pounds and the symbol on it signifies THE LAMP OF WISDOM. 5

6 The colonial pews, confessionals and chairs, manufactured by the Page Furniture Co. of Albermarble, N.C., arrived on June 28th and installation began immediately. By June 30th the twilight blue rug purchased from our parishioner Mr. Edward Nowak was already in place. On July 9th the tabernacle, large candlesticks, credence table, holy water fonts, small cnadlesticks, processional cross, tabernacle, sanctuary lamp, patens for Holy Communion, and announcing bell arrived from the Gasparri Studios. The Reverend Monsignor Roger Viau, Chancellor of the Diocese, and one who had been the source of encouragement previous to and during the church construction, consecrated the altars and chalices on July 13. Installation of the Allen Organ in the new church was also completed by this date. At 7 o'clock on Saturday morning of July 17 Father Raphael, in solemn procession, transferred the Blessed Sacrament from the old into the new church for the First Mass. Two hundred of the faithful participated in this solemn occasion. Hereafter weekday Masses were offered in the chapel of the new church at 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. In Thanksgiving for the new church, a Tuesday perpetual novena to Saint Anthony of Padua began on July 20. Installation of the stained glass windows began on July 29. Nine were installed at this time; the remainder were set in place on August 16,1971 and September 28, Designed and installed by Hiemer and Co., Clifton, N.J. On August 15,1971 in the presence of the Most Reverend Christopher J. Weldon - the Very Rev. Edmund Szymkiewicz, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of Saint Anthony of Padua Province, received the profession of solemn vows of eleven clerics from St. Hyacinth College & Seminary. This was really a historical occasion for the parish. The statues of the Resurrected Christ, Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph the Worker and the Stations of the Cross were already in place. These beautiful statues of Linden Wood were imported from Italy. Solemn Dedication and laying of the cornerstone of the new church took place, Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock of October 24, The Most Reverend Christopher J. Weldon, Bishop of the Diocese, laid the cornerstone and dedicated the New Church with the Most Reverend Thomas Manning, OFM., Bishop of Bolivia. 6