A Romanesque Revival parish in Wilmington’s Little Italy, built by Italian immigrants over seven years under the direction of Ernesto DiSabatino.
At a glance
St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church is a Catholic parish in Wilmington, Delaware. It stands in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood. The parish includes St. Anthony’s School, adjacent to the church, and Padua Academy. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Wilmington and is operated by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.
History
Italian immigrants who settled in the area took seven years to construct the building. Construction was led by Ernesto DiSabatino, founder of Ernest DiSabatino and Sons. The company began as a stone masonry business and evolved throughout the 20th century into a general contracting company. It was the precursor to the current EDiS Construction management concern, still located in Wilmington, Delaware.
DiSabatino received the Papal Cross of Honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for his efforts on the church’s construction. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
What you see
The church is built in the Romanesque Revival architectural style. Its inspiration comes from the Basilica di San Zeno in Verona, Italy.
Cultural significance
Every June, the church runs an Italian Festival, a week-long event which celebrates the Feast of Saint Anthony. The festival features four outdoor cafes, each with their own live entertainment and unique food selections. It is the second-largest of its kind in the United States. Admission fees were established for the first time in 2008.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Wilmington, Delaware
- Coordinates: 39.7526, -75.5667
- National Register of Historic Places: listed 1984
Practical information & getting there
The church is situated in Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood. The Italian Festival takes place every June, celebrating the Feast of Saint Anthony.
Sources & resources
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