[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 60 (Friday, May 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
Anniversary of St. Anthony's Church. The church will celebrate its 
centennial anniversary on May 6, 2001 with the Mass of Thanksgiving at 
twelve noon.
  What was originally established as a church for Italian immigrants 
has become a church that ministers to a largely Hispanic community.
  The church was founded by Bishop John O'Connor on April 7, 1901. The 
first church was established in a rented store by Reverend Peter A. 
Catalano, the church's first pastor. Shortly thereafter, on June 24, a 
small wood-framed Protestant church was purchased and dedicated as 
Saint Anthony's Church.
  In January, 1935, both the church and rectory were destroyed by a 
devastating fire. In June of that year, on the feast of St. Anthony of 
Padua, the first mass was celebrated in the new church, which was 
conducted by Father John J. Rongetti, the parish's second pastor. 
Father Rongetti served the parish until his death on May 4, 1947. The 
church was then served by Father David Cassazza until he was recalled 
to active military duty as a Naval Chaplain in September, 1950. For the 
next twenty-six years, Reverend Michael A. Calabrese served loyally and 
faithfully until his death on May 24, 1976.
  Archbishop Peter L. Gerety appointed Reverend Anthony F. Granato as 
administrator and pastor on October 17, 1977. During his tenure, 
Reverend Granato formed the church's pastoral council and revised the 
religious program. Through the work of loyal parishioners and financed 
through such activities as bingo, raffles, and various fundraisers, the 
church and other parish buildings were renovated.
  In the past century, the church has gone through several structural 
and demographic changes but continues to serve the faithful 
parishioners of East Newark, New Jersey.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th 
Anniversary of St. Anthony's Church.

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