History of Saint Mary Church

In the 55 years which have elapsed since the dedication of the new St. Mary Church, located in Milford, CT, there have been so many splendid developments.

Of capital significance was the opening of St. Mary School in 1961.  The parish is forever indebted to the Sisters of Mercy whose presence guaranteed its success.

Father Dennis F. Moran died in 1967 after a pastorate of thirty-five years.  He was succeeded by Father Joseph H. Collonan, whose entire priesthood was spent at St. Mary Church.  In tribute to his years of dedication and service, a fitting memorial was established after his death. A Schulmerich Basilican Bells Carillon was purchased through generous donations of parishioners, and was in use until electronic chimes were installed in 2007.

In 1987, Father Francis J. Seggel formed a committee for the renovation of our pre-Vatican II church building.  When the architectural plans of D. Paul Antinozzi of Church Manufacturers Guild, Inc., of West Hartford, were accepted by the committee and approved by Archbishop John F. Whealon, work on St Mary Church was begun.

Renovations to the church included refinishing the pews, carpeting, improving the lighting and installing a new sound system.  The sanctuary was redesigned.  The altar and repository were repositioned, and after the altar rail was removed, the marble was used for a new pulpit.  The church project was completed in approximately two months.  Archbishop Whealon celebrated the Mass of Rededication on Sunday, May 29, 1988.

Through the efforts of Father James J. Cronin, our prized reproduction of the painting of Madonna and Child by Giovanni Battisti Salvi (known as Sassoferrato) that hung above the altar of the second church was restored and now has a place of honor in this church.  In 2002, he had installed fourteen new oak doors, consistent with the style of the original church doors.  Ten have stained glass panels depicting parables of Jesus.