About St. Anthony of Padua · Wilmington, Delaware
St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church is a historic parish in Wilmington's Little Italy neighborhood, founded in 1924 to serve the city's growing Italian immigrant community. Located at the corner of West 9th and North DuPont Streets, the parish is operated by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (OSFS) and falls within the Diocese of Wilmington. The Romanesque Revival church, modeled after the Basilica di San Zeno in Verona, was built over several years by skilled Italian immigrant artisans and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A century after its founding, the parish remains a spiritual, cultural, and educational anchor in Little Italy, home to St. Anthony of Padua Grade School, Padua Academy, St. Anthony's Community Center, and the famous St. Anthony's Italian Festival.
- Established
- 1924
- Patron
- St. Anthony of Padua
- Rector
- Rev. Vincent A. Kumar, O.S.F.S.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wilmington
Why belong here
St. Anthony of Padua is a parish where Italian heritage, Salesian spirituality, and a century of community life come together in one of Wilmington's most recognizable landmarks. Parishioners worship in a historic Romanesque Revival church, send children to St. Anthony of Padua Grade School and Padua Academy, and serve through dozens of ministries — from the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and Holy Name Society to the Knights of Columbus, youth athletics, scouting, the dramatic Via Crucis, and the parish's renowned Italian Festival. The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have ministered here continuously since 1924, giving the parish a distinctive welcoming, family-oriented character deeply rooted in service to others.
Mass times at St. Anthony of Padua
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:00–4:45 PM
- Anytime by appointment at the rectory
History of St. Anthony of Padua Parish
St. Anthony of Padua was founded in 1924 by Bishop John J. Monaghan's appointment of Father J. Francis Tucker, OSFS, as pastor of Wilmington's Italian community. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve 1924 in a temporary chapel; the parish was formally incorporated January 4, 1925; ground was broken March 8, 1925; and the first Mass in the present church was held on Palm Sunday 1926, with formal dedication on June 13, 1926 (Feast of St. Anthony). The bell tower was completed in 1938 and stained-glass windows added in 1940. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The parish traces its identity to Italian immigrant heritage and the Salesian spirituality of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, who have staffed it continuously for a century.
- Founded 1924 by Bishop John J. Monaghan and Fr. J. Francis Tucker, OSFS
- First Mass: Christmas Eve 1924 (temporary chapel)
- Incorporated January 4, 1925
- First Mass in current church: Palm Sunday 1926
- Church dedicated June 13, 1926
- Bell tower completed 1938; stained glass added 1940
- Listed on National Register of Historic Places May 3, 1984
Architecture & Historic Landmark
The church is a Romanesque Revival edifice modeled on the Basilica di San Zeno in Verona, Italy. Italian immigrant artisans — many of them highly skilled — built the structure over seven years under the leadership of Ernesto DiSabatino, founder of EDiS Company and recipient of the Papal Cross of Honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. The parish is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Wilmington's Little Italy, anchoring the corner of West 9th and North DuPont Streets.
- Style: Romanesque Revival (inspired by Basilica di San Zeno, Verona)
- Construction led by Ernesto DiSabatino (EDiS Company)
- NRHP reference number 84000851, listed May 3, 1984
Clergy, Staff & Parish Leadership
The parish is currently served by Pastor Rev. Vincent A. Kumar, OSFS, and Oblate in Residence Bro. Joseph Schodowski, OSFS. Lay staff include Robert (Bob) Shields (Parish Business Manager), David Loller (Parish Facilities Manager), Stephen Adams (Coordinator of Liturgy & Music), Lisa Serio (Parish Finance Manager), and Jim Charles (Parish Administrative Officer). Pastoral Council is chaired by Anthony Alfieri.
- Pastor: Rev. Vincent A. Kumar, O.S.F.S.
- Oblate in Residence: Bro. Joseph Schodowski, O.S.F.S.
- Parish Business Manager: Robert (Bob) Shields
- Parish Facilities Manager: David Loller
- Coordinator of Liturgy & Music: Stephen Adams
- Parish Finance Manager: Lisa Serio
- Parish Administrative Officer: Jim Charles
- Pastoral Council Chair: Anthony Alfieri
Sacraments
The parish prepares parishioners for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage (Pre-Cana), and offers the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for those entering the Catholic Church.
- Baptism Preparation
- Confirmation Preparation
- Marriage Preparation (Pre-Cana)
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA/OCIA)
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) provides religious education for parish youth not enrolled in the Grade School. Sacramental preparation is coordinated by the parish for Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage (Pre-Cana). RCIA/OCIA welcomes adults and young people of other faith traditions seeking to enter the Roman Catholic Church.
- Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
- Sacramental Preparation (Baptism, Confirmation, Pre-Cana)
- Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA/OCIA)
Schools
The parish campus includes St. Anthony of Padua Grade School (founded 1954) and Padua Academy, a Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women rooted in the Catholic faith. The Italian Festival is the parish's largest fundraiser and supports the Grade School.
- St. Anthony of Padua Grade School (sapgs.org) — founded 1954; celebrating 70th anniversary in 2024
- Padua Academy (paduaacademy.org) — Catholic college-prep high school for young women; Principal Dr. Mary McClory
St. Anthony's Community Center
St. Anthony's Community Center (stanthonyscommunitycenter.org) is a parish-sponsored outreach serving neighbors of all ages: a Senior Center for adults 55 and older, the City Fare senior nutrition program (New Castle County), an Early Learning Center for ages 6 weeks through Pre-K, an After-School Program, and Camp Roberto summer camp. Executive Director: Debra Wirt.
- Senior Center (age 55+)
- City Fare senior nutrition program
- Early Learning Center (6 weeks–Pre-K)
- After-School Program
- Camp Roberto (summer camp)
Liturgical Ministries & Music
Parishioners serve as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Altar Servers. The Liturgy Committee coordinates the parish's liturgical life in consultation with the pastor and Oblate clergy. Stephen Adams serves as Coordinator of Liturgy & Music.
- Lectors
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Altar Servers (coordinator: Bob Shields)
- Liturgy Committee
- Coordinator of Liturgy & Music: Stephen Adams
Parish Organizations & Sodality
A robust network of parish organizations supports the spiritual and social life of the parish. The Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality (founded for women 14 and older) gathers on the third Sunday of the month from September through May. The Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus (St. Pius X Council #4425) are long-standing men's fellowship and service organizations.
- Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality (President: Mary Kate (Rispoli) Hollingsworth)
- Holy Name Society
- Knights of Columbus — St. Pius X Council #4425 (President: Furio Casale)
Youth & Family Activities
The Youth Activities Council (YAC) coordinates CYM Athletics and a full range of other athletic programs for parish youth. Scouting is well supported through Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts troops. The Parish & Family Life Committee plans social events such as monthly socials and the Parish Easter Egg Hunt.
- Youth Activities Council (YAC) — President: Pam Morabito
- CYM Athletics and other parish sports programs
- Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts (Scoutmaster Tony DeLuca; Cub Scout Leader Lynn DeLuca)
- Girl Scouts (Cammie Conforti)
- Parish & Family Life Committee (Anthony Albence)
St. Anthony's Italian Festival
Every June, the parish hosts St. Anthony's Italian Festival — a week-long celebration of the Feast of St. Anthony featuring four outdoor cafés with live entertainment, midway rides and games (including Majestic Midways), and Italian food from local vendors. It is the parish's largest fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the Grade School, and is recognized as the second-largest Italian festival of its kind in the United States, drawing roughly 60,000 attendees across eight days over nine city blocks. The festival traces its roots to "Il Carnivale," first organized under Father Tucker in 1933.
- Held every June, celebrating the Feast of St. Anthony
- Four outdoor cafés with live entertainment
- Majestic Midways rides and games
- Local vendors: Piccolina Toscana, La Casa Pasta, Luigi & Giovanni, Bella Cucina, Il Pomodoro, plus the panzarotti stand
- Proceeds benefit St. Anthony of Padua Grade School
- Recognized as the second-largest Italian festival of its kind in the U.S.
- Origins in Father Tucker's 1933 'Il Carnivale'
Via Crucis
The dramatic presentation of the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis) is one of the parish's signature traditions, begun by Father Tucker in the 1930s. Performances were suspended during World War II and for several years thereafter, but the tradition has been revived and continues to draw the parish community each Lent. Director: Maria Finamore.
- Annual dramatic Stations of the Cross
- Originated under Father Tucker, pre-WWII
- Director: Maria Finamore
Outreach & Respect Life
The Social Concerns Committee informs and involves parishioners in service to one another and the wider community. The Respect Life Committee promotes respect for life in all forms. Parishioners are also active through the Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society in charitable works in Little Italy and beyond.
- Social Concerns Committee
- Respect Life Committee (Chair: Felix Spitelle)
- Knights of Columbus service projects
- Holy Name Society service and fellowship
Visiting & Contact
The parish rectory is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The church is located at 901 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805 (corner of W. 9th & N. DuPont Streets). The mailing address is the same. Visitors who are feeling unwell are asked to reschedule their visit.
- Address: 901 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805
- Phone: (302) 421-3700
- Email: [email protected]
- Rectory hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–3:30 PM; Sun 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Facebook: facebook.com/stanthonyswilm
- Instagram: instagram.com/stanthonyswilmde
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. J. Francis Tucker, OSFS1924–1949
Founding pastor; first American-born Oblate of St. Francis de Sales; former WWI military chaplain. Established parish, built the church, founded Il Carnivale (1933) and the Via Crucis, and oversaw construction of Fournier Hall. Died November 2, 1972.
- Rev. Joseph L. McCoy, OSFS1949–1959
The 'Education Pastor'; founded the Grade School and Padua Academy. At peak enrollment ~1,000 students. Died April 16, 1967.
- Rev. Roberto Balducelli, OSFS1959–1988
Recruited from Italy by Fr. Tucker in 1946. Oversaw construction of Grade School, Padua Academy, the Antonian, the Community Center, the Rectory, and St. Anthony-in-the-Hills; contributed much of the artwork in the Church, Grade School, and Padua Academy. Continued priestly ministry into his 90s. Died August 9, 2013.
- Rev. Nicholas R. Waseline, OSFS1988–1995
Enhanced liturgical life (e.g., Pentecost after-Mass reception); reinvigorated parish–Padua Academy relationship. Died April 18, 2018, of pancreatic cancer while still serving.
- Rev. James T. Dever, OSFS1995–1996
Short tenure.
- Rev. Mark A. Hushen, OSFS1996
Brief tenure.
- Rev. Anthony J. Larry, OSFS1997–2001
- Rev. John F. McGinley, OSFS2001–2002
- Rev. William J. Keech, OSFS2002–2012
- Rev. Mark J. Wrightson, OSFS2012–2018
Continued liturgical and sacramental emphasis; later associated with Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage Prep, and RCIA. Retired summer 2024 to Oblate facility in Childs, MD.
- Rev. Anthony F. Silvestri, OSFS2018–2024
Led parish into its centennial year; worked through several physical ailments.
- Rev. Vincent A. Kumar, OSFS2024–present
First pastor from India; previously served in India and Munich, Germany. Led the parish's 100th Anniversary Jubilee Masses and reconstituted Parish Council.