SAINT LUCY'S CHURCH: The Mother Italian Church of The Diocese of Scranton. Home to All! Ministered to by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

When Reverend William O’Hara, D.D., came to Scranton in 1868 as its first Bishop, he found the city in its infancy of life. Its city charter was received in April 1866, and Mr. E.S. Hill, lawyer and editor, was elected its first mayor for the term of office of three years. The two catholic churches in Scranton, one Irish and the other German, constituted the only two places of worship where all of the nationalities had to resort for their spiritual comfort. Nationalities represented in the scattered communities were the Polish, Italians, Magyars, Maronities, Slovaks, Slovenians, Melchites, and Tyroleans. The two churches were manned by three priests who covered their field of activity in a vast area comprising what is now all of Scranton from Green Ridge to Minooka including Taylor.

The first attempt to organize a purely Italian parish was in 1874. Bishop O’Hara was undoubtedly aware of his particular mission among the Italians when he received the Papal Rescript of appointment. His experience as Vicar General of the Philadelphia Archdiocese and as a pastor of Saint Patrick’s of that city enabled him to understand their problem. The Italians were, indeed, numerous around Saint Patrick’s in Philadelphia and, coming to Scranton, Bishop O’Hara saw the need of someone to take care of them here.

In the summer of 1874, Bishop O’Hara invited several priests and a Bishop from outside his Diocese to officiate in the celebration he had viewed, namely, to consecrate the Diocese of Scranton to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To make the celebration an appropriate one, he had ordered the first priests’ retreat to be held in May of that year as a prelude to the solemnity. Reverend William Helder, D.D., Bishop of Natshez, directed the retreat and later preached at the Mass of Consecration, where Bishop O’Hara pontificated. Presumably, the presence of Father Cicatard in these ceremonies was a response to a call for Italian confessions to be heard at the Cathedral. He remained at the Cathedral for a while and later attended a reception at Saint Cecilia’s Convent on August 14, 1874. After these religious ceremonies, he returned to his former duties elsewhere.

There was a lapse of almost thirteen years before the appearance of another Italian priest in the diocese. Meanwhile, the Italian immigrants were ministered to by non-Italian priests who learned the Italian language while doing their priestly studies in Rome. Then, in 1887, Bishop O’Hara brought to Scranton an Italian priest named Father Joseph who labored among the Italians in Newark, New Jersey. Father Joseph resided at the Cathedral Rectory, as did his successor, Father Dominick Landro. They both conducted their services at Saint Thomas College Chapel.

The foundation of Saint Lucy’s Parish can be traced back to the year 1891 when Reverend Rosario Nasco administered to the spiritual needs of the Italians of Scranton. He was in Scranton from March until November of that year, and was succeeded in term by Father Peter Bondi, and in 1894 by Father Domnick Landro. All of these priests recorded Baptisms and Marriages as “Pastor of the Italian Mission of Scranton.” These priests traveled as far as Hazelton to minister to Italian immigrants. In the many Italian parishes now being established the earliest sacramental records bear the signature of the Italian Misson of Scranton, later to be known as St. Lucy's Church. Father Landro remained in Scranton until June 2, 1901.

          On April 30, 1901, the old No. 16 Public School on, what was then, Chestnut Street (now Saint Frances Cabrini Avenue) was purchased by Bishop Michael J. Hoban from the Scranton School District. According to the deed it ws purchased for the "Roman Catholic Italian Congregation of St. Lucy's Chruch" for the sum of $2300.00 (DBK, p. 188). The building was used as both a church and school. Classes were conducted by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, founded by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who had traveled several times to Scranton for the purpose of beginning a school for Italian and other immigrants in the area of St. Lucy's Church.  On May 25, 1914 Bishop Hoban sold the school to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart for $1.00 (DBK 263, p. 552). 

During the next few years, the priests in charge of the new parish were Father Ferdinand Sbrocca, Father Domnick Landro, and Father Raffaele Bellini. In August 1908, Father Victor Gurisatti began his pastorate at Saint Lucy’s, serving the parish until 1927. During that period he was assisted successively by Father Joseph Nardon, Father Joseph Rosa, and Father Peter Cantino. In 1913, Father Gurisatti built the foundation for a new church at its present location. The foundation served for all religious functions until the year 1928 when the upper church was completed.

Father Francis Boland succeeded Father Gurisatti as administrator of Saint Lucy’s Parish, remaining there until the appointment of Father Francis Valverde, pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua, Dunmore, to Saint Lucy’s in September 1928.

Assisting the new pastor, later invested as a Papal Chamberlain by Bishop O’Reilly, at Saint Lucy’s Church were Father (later Monsignor) Humber Rocchi, Father Gerald Canivan, and Father Joseph O’Brien. Following Monsignor Valverde’s leave of absence because of illness, Father O’Brien served as administrator until the appointment of the Very Reverend Monsignor Salvatore J. Florey on September 8, 1938.

The assistants under Monsignor Florey included Reverend Peter Monleon, Reverend Monsignor Joseph A. Madden, Reverend Paschal Trozzolillo, Reverend Donald Deuel, Reverend Myron F. Florey, Reverend Hugh Lenahan, Reverend Joseph Ferrese, Reverend Salvatore P. Oliviero, and Reverend Anthony Tombasco.

The Golden Jubilee of the parish was fittingly observed on Sunday October 14, 1951, with a solemn Pontifical Mass offered by the Most Reverend William J. Hafey, D.D., Bishop of Scranton at the time. Assisting the Bishop were priests of the Diocese who were stationed at Saint Lucy’s with Monsignor Florey. The sermon for the occasion was preached by the Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Furey, rector of Saint Charles Seminary, Overbrook, Philadelphia.

      The cooperation, loyalty, and generosity of the parishioners of Saint Lucy’s, made possible a program of extensive repairs and improvement. A Golden Jubilee campaign resulted in the final payment of a debt that only a few years before was well over $100, 000.

The 2^nd half-century of Saint Lucy’s Parish

The second half-century of Saint Lucy’s Parish began with everything in order and things running smoothly, thanks to pastor, Monsignor Florey. The church’s membership was growing with the onset of the “Baby Boomer” generation, keeping the three priests busy. The priests also served the sisters and students of Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini grade school.

In the early part of 1956, the West Side section of Scranton, known at the time as Hyde Park, began to experience what was called “caving” or “settling” problems. This was the result of the deterioration of timbers below the ground after the numerous coal companies in operation in the late 1800s and early 1900s removed coal. Unfortunately, Saint Lucy’s Church was one of the thousands of properties affected. The Diocesan engineers decided to reduce the weight of the structure by the removal of the belfry, which was located on the left side of the church. A beautiful marble pulpit, which stood ten feet high, along with marble from the altar and floor, were also removed. A steel beam was installed above the altar to reinforce the church. The church was considered unsafe, which meant the congregation was forced to attend mass in the “Little Arts Theater,” located in the 100 block of North Main Avenue and in the chapel in the basement of Saint Patrick’s Church, Jackson Street. A remodeling project soon began and within a year, Saint Lucy’s Church was back to smooth sailing once again.

Mother Cabrini School, originally called Saint Lucy’s School, was becoming more popular and experienced a large increase in its enrollment. Also, church activities and fundraisers were offered by the Altar and Rosary Society, Church Choir, Holy Name Society, and Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troops. The parish also sponsored Altar boy trips and garden parties.

During the remaining years of the sixties and early seventies, Saint Lucy’s Church continues its tradition as one of the finest churches in the Diocese of Scranton. January of 1973, brought the news that Monsignor Salvatore J. Florey, age 67, was retiring. Monsignor Florey served as pastor for thirty-five years. In September of 1973, he was named pastor emeritus by the Most Reverend J. Carrol McCormick, D.D., Bishop of Scranton. He remained active, occasionally offering mass and performing baptisms and weddings. Monsignor Florey died on October 7, 1984, at the age of 78. His priestly example, dedication, and sacrifices will always be remembered.

In the month of July 1973, the parishioners of Saint Lucy’s Parish welcomed Reverend Paul P. Cottone as their new pastor. The first project of the new pastor was the refurbishing of the auditorium and the installation of a new kitchen area. Father Cottone celebrated the twenty-fifth year anniversary of his ordination in 1975.

In 1977, a group of parishioners joined together to form the first spaghetti supper committee. The supper was a huge success and currently serves as one of the major fundraisers for the parish.

In the 1980s, due to the reforms of the Catholic Church from the Second Vatican Council, the main altar of the church was relocated to enable the priest to face the congregation during mass. The churches carpeting was also replaced, the interior painted, and several murals restored. The grounds were enhanced with the construction of a grotto honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Statues of Saint Peter and Saint Francis of Assisi were donated by church members honoring the deceased of their families. A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was placed in the front of the church. The size of the parking lot was increased with the acquisition of surrounding land. New front doors were added along with the reframing and repairing of the stained glass windows. A new organization called the “Parents’ Club” was formed. It currently conducts fundraisers throughout the year and was responsible for the annual Summer Festival until the summer of 2004.

The last decade of the twentieth century noted the return of the original church bell. The bell was refinished and placed on brick piers near the water fountain in the grotto. The front steps were repaired and new sidewalks added. The exterior of the church and rectory were painted. New boilers were also installed in both buildings. On July 12, 1998, a shrine honoring saint Francis Xavier Cabrini was dedicated. Following the dedication a reception was held in the church auditorium. On June 6, 2000, Father Cottone celebrated the Golden Anniversary of his ordination. He was the principal celebrant of the Mass of Thanksgiving; Reverend Albert Liberatore was the homilist.

On September 30, 2001, the parish celebrated its one hundredth anniversary as a faith community in the Diocese of Scranton. Most Reverend James C. Timlin, D.D., Bishop of Scranton, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving and a reception was held at Saint Mary’s Center, Scranton.

The first one hundred years of Saint Lucy’s Parish were years of growth, development, and the realization of the dream of its early Italian immigrant founders. As the parish began the next one hundred years, Father Cottone announced that he would retire in July 2002 after having faithfully served Saint Lucy’s as pastor for twenty nine years.

In July 2002, Bishop James C. Timlin appointed Reverend John J. Chmil as the fifth pastor of Saint Lucy’s Parish in its over one hundred year history. During Father Chmil’s pastorate, the parish experienced a great revitalization in its liturgy and worship.

After only three years as pastor, Father Chmil was succeeded by Reverend Anthony J. Generose as Administrator of Saint Lucy’s in June 2005. Father Generose remained there until the appointment of Reverend Samuel J. Ferretti as Pastor of Saint Lucy’s Church on September 1, 2005. Due to the declining number of priests in the Diocese of Scranton and all throughout the United States, Father Ferretti was also named Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church on West Locust Street. Under Father Ferretti’s leadership and guidance, the parishioners of Saint Lucy’s are looking forward to the continuance of spiritual enlightenment, devotion, and family values.  

Father Ferretti is also bringing St. Lucy's into the 21 Century via the internet.  Now lets take a closer look at
St. Lucy's Church.                

Fr. Ferretti also jokingly began a “Job Jar”.  Work on the church that needed to be done.  So far on the outside of the Church the wall behind The upper 1/3 of the façade was repaired and the façade was replaced and sealed.  The leaks in the Church dome and broken tiles have been repaired.  The flat parts of the roof have also been repaired and our prized Zettler Church windows (recory side) have been totally restored.  Inside the Church the main Chandlier was dissembled, cleaned and restored.  A new upgraded electrical service for the Church was installed.  All statues were repaired and painted.  The unknown statue was St. Agnello, one of the patron Sts.of  Naples ( it came over from Italy with the founders of the Parish).  After upgrading the dome in the Choir Loft we observed a scene that turns out to be Judas Iscariot at the foot of the Cross.  You can see 30 pieces of silver falling out of his hands.  Judas himself thoroughly distraught, having realized what he did.  Our new handicapped ramp was completed along with new lighting around the Church and Rectory for safety and security reasons.  And of course, the candle room got a makeover.  As the "Job Jar" continues to be filled new projects already need to be done.