St. Anthony’s Chapel - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

(Photo provided)

Destination: If you’re planning a trip to or near Pittsburgh, work in a stop at St. Anthony’s Chapel in the Troy Hill neighborhood. The chapel, which houses the largest collection of relics open for public viewing, is cared for by members of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish.
Masses are offered in the chapel Monday-Friday at  8:30 a.m. On Tuesdays, Mass is followed by the St. Anthony Novena.
Why to go:  “A little bit of heaven” is how Carole Brueckner, a guide at Pittsburgh’s St. Anthony’s Chapel, describes this home to more than 5,000 relics, each authenticated by the Catholic Church. The original chapel and an extension were built and the reliquaries purchased with private funds of Father Suitbert Godfrey Mollinger, a Belgian priest. He came to Pittsburgh in 1865, after being in America for several years, and established several mission parishes. He became the first pastor of Most Holy Name of Jesus on July 4, 1868.
When political unrest threatened holy relics in Europe, Father Mollinger began his mission of saving as many as he could and of building a home where they could be viewed and venerated.
The oldest relics are housed in the original chapel, but newer additions to the collection are in the extension, which was dedicated on the Feast of St. Anthony, June 13, 1883.
The extension also houses life-size stations of the cross, carved in wood by Mayer and Company of Munich, Germany. Father Mollinger dedicated the extension on June 13, 1892.
He spent $300,000 of his own money to establish the chapel and its collection of relics.
Access: Parking is available near the chapel, and there is wheelchair access. Once inside, everything is on one level.
Amenities: Chapel and gift shop (across the street) hours are Saturday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Tours are offered at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., but groups of 10 or more can arrange for other times by calling ahead.
(Grand) Kid friendly: The chapel is small, but the stations and other statues are vivid enough to hold children’s attention.
Info: Address: St. Anthony’s Chapel, 1704 Harpster St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Phone: 412/231-2994. Web: www.saintanthonyschapel.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
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