About Saint Anthony · Florence, South Carolina
St. Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, South Carolina, traces its roots to 1870 when the first Mass was celebrated in a home. It became a formal parish in 1871 and eventually moved to its current campus on Hoffmeyer Road after a devastating fire in 1970. The parish serves a diverse community with multiple languages and ministries, including a school, food pantry, and adoration chapel. It is part of the Diocese of Charleston and led by a current pastor and several deacons.
- Established
- 1871
- Patron
- Anthony of Padua
- Rector
- Rev. JohnBosco Duraisamy
- Diocese
- Diocese of Charleston
Why belong here
Join a parish that offers vibrant ministries like food pantry support, adoration, and faith formation for all ages. Community events, bilingual Masses, and strong leadership create a welcoming, inclusive environment rooted in service and spiritual growth.
Mass times at Saint Anthony
Weekly Mass schedule
Adoration times
- January 2nd and 3rd (after 7:30am Mass)
- July 4th and 5th (after 7:30am Mass)
Our Parish History
St. Anthony Parish began in 1870 with Masses in homes, became canonically established in 1871, and purchased land in 1873. A wooden chapel was built in 1886, followed by a larger church in 1917. A fire in 1970 destroyed the church, leading to a new campus on Hoffmeyer Road, where the current church, school, and family center now stand. The parish has grown through dedicated leadership and community support.
Ministries and Organizations
The parish offers a wide range of ministries including food pantry, adoration, faith formation, and community outreach. The Knights of Columbus host monthly Cor seminars, and the Hispanic Ministry was established in 2003. The parish also operates a school and family center.
- Food Pantry
- Adoration Chapel
- Hispanic Ministry
- Knights of Columbus
- Faith Formation
- Parish School
- Family Center
Clergy and Leadership
The parish is led by Pastor Rev. JohnBosco Duraisamy and Parochial Vicar Rev. Cosmus Wambua, along with several deacons. The parish office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
- Rev. JohnBosco Duraisamy
- Rev. Cosmus Wambua
- Reginald A.T. Armstrong
- Michael Woodall, Jr.
- Bruce A. Fortnum, Ph.D.
- Calvin Duncan