Saint Anthony Chapel — Attraction in Pittsburgh

A Very Holy Place in the City. Hidden in the older area of the city is St. Anthony's Chapel. The moment we entered the chapel, we can feel the atmosphere of sacredness, of calm and peace. The life-sized Station of the Cross was amazing. Too bad we were not allowed to take pictures. Going deeper into the chapel, we came into the heart of the chapel which housed 5000+ relics of Saints.

While we were looking around, a lady approached us and offered to give us a tour of the chapel. She explained the story about how Fr. Suitbert Mollinger built the initial chapel to house his collection of relics. And then when he added the Station of the Cross, the original chapel did not have enough space, and it was extended to its current size. She also suggested us to visit the gift shop across the street and visit Fr. Mollinger's museum on the 2nd floor.

We spent some time in the chapel, praying to and with the Saints. How amazing that time was, the feeling that we were surrounded by 5000+ Saints. The reliquary of St. Anthony of Padua was very special, and was given a prominent place in a side altar. He was the Saint the chapel was named after.

Then we crossed the street to visit the gift shop and the museum upstairs. We saw there some crutches from people who were healed from their ailments. For those who believe, this Chapel could be a place of healing too.

This Chapel is a holy place which every one should not miss to visit. Make sure to note the Hours of Visitation which is 1:00 - 4:00 pm, but closed on Fridays...

St. Anthony’s Chapel was built by Fr. Suitbert Mollinger in 1880 in the Troy Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

The chapel houses approximately 5,000 religious relics, making it the largest collection of relics outside the Vatican.

Some of the highlights of the collection include a splinter of the True Cross, a thorn from the Crown of Thorns, a piece of the stone from the Holy Sepulcher and a relic for each of the 12 apostles.

In addition to the relics, there are life-sized Stations of the Cross carved from wood.

The relics were acquired by Fr. Mollinger with his own funds from inherited family money. His primary goal was to protect the relics during times of political upheaval in Europe.

We were very fortunate to meet Steve McCauley at Mass. His wife Sue is one of the docents and he has learned a lot of from her; he was kind enough to take us on a private tour...

A wonderful old-ish Catholic church. Has around 5000 Cristian historical relics on display inside. One of the great historical places for Christianity in the U.S. The Church it's self is small, however the extensive wood work is beautiful. Very impressive for a non-european church. Exposing my own faithfulness, I have to say this place was impressive enough that it's beauty and it's history of Christianity sunk deep in my spirit. Amazing, for an old church tucked away in a Pittsburgh city neighborhood. Recommended if in town, especially if a faithful person or one who likes cool old architecture. I would like to go back for one of guided tours they offer. It is my understanding, you will learn more about the many historical Christian relics as part of a tour. All in all an amazing place. My heart and spirit...