St Anthony's Catholic Church

Location : 8, Pinehurst Road, West Moors.

History of the Church: The patron of the Church is Anthony of Padua, born in Portugal, in 1195, of noble parentage. His vocation led him first to the Canons Regular of St. Augustine and then, after a time, on to the newly founded Order of Franciscans. With the latter he set off to become an African Missionary, but sickness forced him to return. At the tiny monastery at Sao Paolo, near Forli in Italy, his intellectual gifts of theology and oratory emerged. St. Anthony was sent to teach and preach in southern France and northern Italy. He was only 86 years old when he died, in Padua. His sanctity was readily proclaimed and canonization followed only a year after his demise. In 1946 he was declared a Doctor of the Church. St. Anthony’s feast day is celebrated on 13th June. His relics remain in  Padua.

The present Church replaces the old wooden building, which had become far too small, erected in 1928. When it was demolished the area was landscaped. The modern Church was built in 1975-76, solemnly blessed by Bishop Restieaux on Our Lady’s Feast Day in December 1977 and consecrated on 8th December 1980.

The relics enclosed in the High Altar are those of St. Maria Goretti.

Service Times:

Clergy:        

Rev. Patrick Chrystal

The Presbytery, Pinehurst Road, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 OAP

Tel: (01202) 874811

E-mail: patrick.chrystal@btinternet.com.