Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Istanbul

The Basilica of St. Anthony ( Turkish Sent Antuan Kilisesi ) is a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul.

Location

The basilica is located on İstiklal Caddesi in Istanbul's Beyoğlu. Formerly belonged to her location in Constantine Opel for European Pera district.

History

Since 1221 Franciscan to hold on to Opel and Constantine had in that time, various churches and seats. 1724 a new church was built by them in Pera and dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. As this church in 1904 the construction of a tram had to give way, the religious were looking for a new building site close to return to build a church. On August 23, 1906, the cornerstone was laid. Due to financial difficulties, the construction had to be interrupted in 1907, however. It was not until 1910 were the construction work will be resumed. The church was built in a Neo-Gothic crypt on the other hand is held in a Romanesque style. On February 15, 1912, the day the Translatio of the relics of St. Anthony, the friars moved into their new monastery and the church was blessed. On November 16, 1913 finally took place the solemn consecration of the church by Bishop Vincenzo Sardi. 1932, Pope Pius XI. the church to the rank of a basilica. In the same year, the first time Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was preaching, the future Pope John XXIII. , In the church. In his later years as Apostolic Legate for Turkey, he was a regular guest in the house of God. Therefore remembers front of the church a statue of him. 1967 celebrated by Pope Paul VI. in the Basilica of the first Mass of a Pope on Turkish soil.

Today

Pastoral care is supported by Italian Minoritenbrüdern. Since many Catholics come from abroad in Istanbul, there are church services in English, Italian, Polish, but also Turkish.