Saint Mary’s Church
~Blessed Michael McGivney Parish

The church has undergone a complete beautification effort to restore elegance and integrity to the church interior.

BUILDING FACTS

Location: New Haven, CT
Built: 1874
Original Architect: James Murphy
Style: Gothic

SCOPE

The Church of Saint Mary's was the first Catholic Church in New Haven, and is the second oldest Roman Catholic parish in Connecticut. The importance and recognition both regionally, nationally and internationally of Saint Mary’s, cannot be overlooked as it is the founding church of the Knights of Columbus and now home of the blessed Michael J. McGivney who is entombed there.

The church has undergone a complete beautification effort to restore elegance and integrity to the church interior replete with Catholic symbolism and artwork. Prior to the commencement of the work, extensive investigative studies and design work were performed including a historic paint analysis and archival research. The investigation unveiled the previous paint campaigns and confirmed the paint campaign of the greatest significance.

This project consisted of decorative painting and finishes throughout the church. The ceiling has been intricately painted to simulate the blue lace of the Blessed Mother’s garments and decorated with flowers and monograms all throughout the interior to pay homage to the church’s patroness. Along with a complete decorative campaign, 17 commissioned paintings of saints and archangels were produced to fill the upper walls of the church.

Saint Mary's is now part of the Blessed Michael McGivney Parish, which consists of a seven total parishes with the Saint Mary's church site as the anchor.