A Century of Welcoming

Oct 29

Earlier this month, St. Anthony of Padua Parish celebrated its 100th anniversary. Since 1924, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have been staffing, serving, and ministering at this parish in Wilmington, DE that was originally founded as a place of worship for Italian immigrants.

These immigrants sought to make a home in the United States. They came to this country seeking to create a new life for their family. They brought with them their language, their culture, and their food, but more than anything else, they brought their strong faith.

The Italian American community was looking for a home where they could feel safe, share their faith, and experience the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

In the 1920s, Bishop John Monaghan asked the Oblates to establish a parish in the City of Wilmington. The bishop chose to name the church after St. Anthony of Padua, after the Franciscan friar and preacher who settled in Italy and became patron of seekers and the lost.

Fr. J. Francis Tucker, the first American Oblate, was the founding pastor. This Irish American immediately embraced his Italian flock and set out to construct a church building. He committed to preserving the culture, art, and language of Italy. More importantly, he wanted to build a strong and faithful community.

Starting in a small chapel, the parishioners – many of them craftsmen who learned their trade back in the old country - built a beautiful church that still stands as a shining light in the city. It graces the neighborhood skyline and, like a lighthouse, provides safety through the storms, peace amid personal problems, and light in the darkness that seems to overwhelm our society.

Today, people still arrive at this beautiful church – some still come from other countries and cultures – seeking Jesus. Fr. Vincent Kumar, OSFS, is the current pastor. He is originally from India and spent many years serving in Germany. He continues in a long line of Oblate priests and brothers who have brought the Gospel and the Salesian spirit to the people of Wilmington.

The whole parish community of St. Anthony’s – Oblates, lay staff, and all those in the pews – still open their hearts and homes to the immigrant, the stranger, and the seeker. In welcoming others, we welcome the Lord Himself. This is in keeping with the example of Jesus and the Salesian culture that has permeated the parish for a century. St. Francis de Sales follows this example when he encourages us to search for God in the ordinary, everyday people we encounter and in the common moments we experience each day.

As the Lord comes to us each day, especially in our parish and school communities, we are filled with gratitude and joy. The Church (and St. Anthony of Padua Parish) is alive and filled with hope.

The mission goes on! Christ is in our midst. Filled with His grace, and ever aware of His presence, we go forward and keep building up His body, His Church.