Saint Anthony's Chapel (Pittsburgh)

Construction Saint Anthony's Chapel was built under the direction of Father Suitbert Mollinger (1828–1892), pastor of Most Holy Name Parish in Troy Hill. Dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, the chapel was intended both as a place of worship and as a permanent home for the relics Father Mollinger gathered during repeated trips to Europe. Many of these acquisitions took place during periods of political upheaval, such as the Kulturkampf in Germany and the Italian unification, when monastic treasures were dispersed. Mollinger initially housed his collection in his private residence. Work on the first structure began in 1882, and it was dedicated exactly a year later, on June 13, 1883. This building still forms the core of the chapel today, from the sanctuary to the central arch. Mollinger died intestate, and his heirs, exercising their rights to his estate, removed many valuables from the chapel, including crystal chandeliers, a black onyx altar, and candelabra. The restoration, which cost more than $260,000 , was financed entirely through donations from parishioners and the wider public. Community advocates played an important role in the effort, particularly Troy Hill resident Mary Wohleber, who collected and sold roofing slates from the chapel for $5 apiece to support the restoration work. The restoration addressed structural problems, repaired the roof and stained-glass windows, and thoroughly cleaned and refurbished the interior. Saint Anthony Chapel was included in this grouping along with St. Patrick and St. Stanislaus Kostka in the Strip District, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Polish Hill, and St. Nicholas in Millvale. ==Description==

Architecture, decoration and furnishing The exterior facade of the chapel is marked by twin towers surmounted by stainless steel crosses plated in 24-karat gold leaf, each measuring in height including the base. An copper statue of Saint Anthony crowns the facade, replacing an earlier pewter figure that was destroyed by lightning. The chapel's bells were cast by the McShane Bell Foundry of Baltimore and installed in 1891. They include two large bells, named St. Anthony and St. Francis, and a smaller bell named St. Clare. though historian Katherine Lukaszewicz has suggested that the relic treasury of the Spanish crown at the Escorial may be larger. The collection preserves portions of the physical remains, clothing, and personal effects of various saints, many of which are housed in reliquaries of crystal, silver, and gold. Most of the chapel's pieces are vouched for by ecclesiastical authentication documents, the oldest of which is dated August 12, 1716. Behind the altar is a setting of reliquaries containing relics from each of the saints named in the Roman Canon. Other relics include slivers of the True Cross and particles of what is described as the clothing of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Some relics are visible only at close range, while others are kept out of public view, such as a small fragment of the Last Supper table, which is housed within the mensa of the high altar. Among the chapel's most notable objects is a reliquary crafted in Aachen in 1880 by August Witte. The piece, in the form of a monstrance, contains a particle of the True Cross at its center. Surrounding it are relics of John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, St. Lawrence, St. Dionysius, St. Blaise, and St. Stephen, together with a fragment of the winding sheet of Christ. The outer rim holds relics of St. Anthony, St. Nicholas, St. Agnes, St. Barbara, St. Sebastian, St. Catherine, St. Cecilia, and St. Lambert. Silver medals depicting these saints are fixed to the reliquary's base, which is further ornamented with filigree and engraved decoration. The reliquary continues to be used during novena services in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, when it is presented for the blessing of the faithful. ==Chapel museum==

A small museum and gift shop in a house across from the chapel displays memorabilia and belongings associated with Fr. Suitbert Mollinger, along with crutches left behind by individuals who reported healings at the chapel in the 19th century. ==Notes==