St. Anthony's Chapel

A Living Testament to Faith, Heritage, and Community

Discover a Sacred Sanctuary Born from Dreams and Devotion

In the heart of Norwich, Connecticut, stands a remarkable testament to the power of faith, immigrant determination, and cultural preservation. St. Anthony's Chapel is not merely a place of worship—it is a living monument to the Cape Verdean experience in America, a bridge between continents and cultures, and a sanctuary where dreams took physical form through the vision of one extraordinary man.

About St. Anthony's Chapel

The chapel's story begins with Joseph Candido Delgado, a Cape Verdean immigrant who arrived in the United States aboard the Emma R. Smith on August 10, 1908. Located 450 miles off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde was Delgado's homeland, but Norwich became the place where his spiritual dreams would take root. Though he once aspired to the priesthood, Delgado found his calling in creating a sacred space for his community and all who sought spiritual solace.

Inspired by what he described as a divine "day-dream," Delgado envisioned a modest chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, Portugal's beloved patron saint. This vision became reality on July 4, 1926, when the chapel was blessed and opened its doors, quickly establishing itself as a cultural cornerstone for people of all ethnic backgrounds.

Our Heritage

A Monument to Cape Verdean Craftsmanship and Identity

The chapel stands as a remarkable example of vernacular religious architecture, embodying Portuguese colonial influences through Delgado's humble yet profound craftsmanship. Measuring approximately 16 feet by 9 feet, this intimate sanctuary features a wood-framed roof crowned with distinctive steeples, plaster interior walls, and original wooden windows and doors that have witnessed nearly a century of prayer and community gathering.

The preserved elements from the 1926 construction tell a story of cultural continuity: the altar where countless ceremonies have been celebrated, the vestibule that has welcomed generations of worshippers, the hand-crafted statues that reflect Cape Verdean artistic traditions, the Stations of the Cross that guide contemplative prayer, and devotional images on thin sheet iron that demonstrate the resourcefulness and faith of the immigrant community.