About Us

The History of St. Anthony Parish

In 1905, Monsignor Paul Abi Saab came to Springfield, Massachusetts. He came at the invitation of Bishop Beaven, to establish a mission. They called this mission Saints Peter and Paul. During that time, Monsignor Saab began saying the mass for the local Maronites in the nearby Sacred Heart Church.

Monsignor Saab had a vision for Maronite autonomy. In 1907, a home on Liberty Street was purchased. The first floor of this tenement served as the church, while the second floor became the priest's residence. Later that year, a parcel of land adjacent to the church was purchased.

It was also in 1907 that Monsignor Saab invited his nephew Michael, a student at the St. Louis College in Lebanon, to join him in Springfield. Michael accepted his uncle's invitation and was subsequently sent to the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada. On December 23, 1911, Michael A. Saab was ordained and began his years of service and dedication to the Maronite flock of Springfield. In addition to serving the local congregation, uncle and nephew also ministered to the followers in Maine and Vermont.

In 1925, a rectory was purchased along with two tenement houses, the latter of which became the new site for the church. In 1927, the James Dineen home was acquired. During the same year, a parish hall was purchased from the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Monsignor Paul Abi Saab died on September 8, 1941, and Father Michael became pastor of our church, which at the time, was called St. Anthony's of Padua. During his tenure at St. Anthony's, Father Saab was elevated to a Monsignor. He remained in the service of his people until his death on August 10, 1964. He devoted more than 50 years to the care, growth, and unification of his beloved people.

In 1948, the church was improved and enlarged to a seating capacity of 350. St. Anthony's was continuing to grow, but things came to a heartbreaking halt when urban renewal took the property by eminent domain in 1966. Through the compassion and understanding of Bishop Weldon, St. Anthony's held its services at Cathedral High School. During this time, eight acres of prime wooded land were purchased on Island Pond Road. This would become the site of our present church. Father Shaheen was interim pastor at the time and was instrumental in the acquisition of the property. Construction began on June 2, 1968, and 15 months later, St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church was dedicated.

Following the death of Monsignor Michael Saab, St. Anthony's has been served by ten priests. Each priest set goals and contributed to the growth and stability of our parish family. Today, St. Anthony's remains an ethnic-oriented church. However, it is with open arms that we have welcomed the many non-Lebanese families who have embraced the Maronite liturgy. At St. Anthony's Church, we are known for our hospitality, faith, and love. Under the guidance of our devoted Reverend Bassam Saade, we continue to do the work of God and share the treasure of Maronite heritage with the universal Catholic Church.