Parish History

St. Catherine’s, which is often referred to as the “gem of the Boston Archdiocese”, was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Maginnis, Walsh and Sullivan over the period 1907-1920. The church was designed with the belief that the building should connect American immigrant Catholics to the European Catholic aesthetic and spiritual experience. 

Charles D. Maginnis and Reverend James O’Brien were the driving forces behind the design and construction of St. Catherine’s. Reverend O’Brien traveled extensively in Europe studying cathedrals and buying materials. Some of the blended marble in the church is from Carrara, Italy where Michelangelo had worked in the 16th century. The front façade is loosely derived from the eighth-century church of San Pietro in Toscanella, Italy.

Maginnis firmly believed that the architect should be responsible for all aspects of a church design, including the coordination of the liturgical furnishings, to achieve a total unity of the arts. He insisted on working with internationally known master craftsmen, such as Angelo Lualdi, who crafted the Stations of the Cross in white alabaster, with the provision that the models for the stations were never to be used again.

The marriage and death of St. Catherine are depicted on the large panels carved in low relief on the rear wall of the church. The pulpit, which was erected to the memory of parishioners who served in World War I, has carvings of the patron saints of the allies, with St. Catherine representing the United States. The sanctuary arch was tipped to create an uninterrupted flow from the nave to the sanctuary space, and downward over the painting of God the father with his arms outstretched in blessing, the enthroned Christ, and the dove of the Holy Spirit. The figures of Mary, Michael the archangel, and saints are arranged around the edge of the semicircular dome. 

The cornerstone of St. Catherine’s was laid on May 31, 1908, and since then the parish has grown and prospered. Over the years a parish school was built, as well as a parish hall behind the church. Today St. Catherine’s is a vibrant, active parish. There is an active young adult group, a wonderful Christmas bazaar, and other parish sponsored activities. The music program is outstanding, but most importantly, St. Catherine’s is a warm, friendly, and supportive place, with a wonderful and dedicated pastoral and lay staff.

1947 Post Card