History of St. Anthony Parish

One hundred years ago, in 1905, Msgr. Paul Abi Saab came to Springfield, MA at the invitation of Bishop Beaven to establish a mission. They called this Sts. Peter and Paul. During that time, Msgr. Saab began saying the mass for the Maronites of the Springfield area in nearby Sacred Heart Church.

Msgr. Saab had a vision for Maronite autonomy and 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 Msgr. Saab invited his nephew Michael, a student at St. Louis College in Lebanon to join him in Springfield. He accepted his Uncle's invitation and was subsequently sent to the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada by Bishop Beaven. On December 23, 1911, Michael A. Saab was ordained and thus began his 53 years of service and dedication to the Maronite flock of Springfield. In addition to serving the Maronites of Springfield, Uncle and nephew also ministered to the Maronites in Maine and Vermont. Msgr. Paul Abi Saab died on September 8, 1941 and Fr. Michael, as he was affectionately called, became pastor of what was then called St. Anthony's of Padua. During his tenure at St. Anthony's, Fr. Saab was elevated to a Monsignor. He remained in the service of his people until his death on August 10, 1964, devoting nearly 53 years of his life to the care, growth and unification of his beloved people.

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 and during the same year, a parish hall was purchased from the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

In 1948, the church was improved and enlarged to a seating capacity of 350. St. Anthony's was continuing to grow. 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 was purchased on Island Pond Road in Springfield, the site of our present church. Fr. 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's Maronite Catholic Church was dedicated.

Following the death of Msgr. Michael Saab, St. Anthony's has been served by nine priests to the present. Each setting goals and contributing to the growth and stability of St. Anthony's parish family.