Saint Anthony's Chapel

Description

Part of the Most Holy Name Of Jesus Parish, Saint Anthony's Chapel is one of Pittsburgh's oldest and most historic Catholic churches.

It is named in honor of Saint Anthony Of Padua (1195-1231), one of the most beloved of Catholic saints,
who is invoked for the recovery of lost things.

Construction began on the chapel in 1880 under the direction of Father Suitbert G. Mollinger, son of a wealthy Belgian family, and the first pastor of Most Holy Name Of Jesus Church. Father Mollinger personally financed the building of the tiny devotional chapel to house his large collection of relics.

An inscription written in Latin on the central arch of the chapel reads, “Here Lie the Saints in Peace.” Over five thousand relics of the saints have reposed peacefully in the chapel for over a hundred years. The impressive collection is displayed in beautifully wrought reliquaries, arranged in altars and side cases constructed of hand-carved solid walnut. Many of the reliquaries contain multiple relics. For many centuries these relics were venerated in Europe. Documents to verify their authenticity accompanied the acquisition of the relics and are retained with security.

Restored in 1977, the chapel pilgrims regularly come to admire the beautiful stone building and the impressive relic collection. It has been designated a Historical Landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.

Hours of operation

Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Parking

A parking lot is available adjacent to the church.