Shrine of St. Anthony (Boston)
St. Anthony's Shrine, the "Church on Arch Street," is a center for Roman Catholic ministry in Boston, Massachusetts directed by the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province. The Shrine has served the residents and workers of Boston since its completion in 1955, the community is driven by its dedication to the mission of "welcoming all people through prayer and outreach." History Construction and early years The friars had been serving in the Boston area since 1860. The Archbishop of Boston donated his former mansion in Brookline to them in 1927, which they then converted into St. Francis Friary, a retreat house for laymen which opened the following year. In 1944, shortly after being appointed archbishop, Richard Cushing suggested that the friars open a chapel of ease in the downtown area of the city. The friars agreed and in 1945 began to hear confessions in the Oratory of St. Thomas More, which was served by the secular clergy of the Archdiocese of Boston. Plans proceeded with establishing their own chapel, for which a small, four-story building was acquired on 103 Arch Street to serve as a temporary chapel. A number of connecting lots across the street were soon also purchased by