Sights & Sounds: This parish stands next to the birthplace of a U.S. president (Photos)
Saint Aloysius Parish in Caldwell, N.J., seems to have a unique distinction – it is the only Catholic Church located next door to the birthplace of a U.S. president.
When it was founded in 1892, Saint Aloysius was considered the “mother church” of the Diocese of Newark’s West Essex region. Eight years previously, there had been a heated presidential election, which ended with the narrow selection of Grover Cleveland as the 22nd Chief Executive of the United States. Cleveland, the son of a Presbyterian minister, happened to have been born across the street from where the parish would be initially located, though he would be raised in New York State.
Cleveland would later lose his reelection bid, but returned to the presidency in 1893, one year after the establishment of Saint Aloysius Parish. Until the most recent election, he was the only U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms.
The new church
When the people of Saint Aloysius outgrew their church, they chose to build their new place of worship across the street, laying the cornerstone in 1923. Cleveland’s birthplace had already been preserved as a house museum by that time. Currently open by appointment only, it remains the key destination for those interested in Cleveland’s life and legacy.
Visitors to Saint Aloysius will discover a spiritually rich environment. The modest interior of the Gothic Revival church is designed to encourage prayer and contemplation. Located around the grounds are spaces – a small Marian garden, a lone statue of Padre Pio along a walkway – where one can pause to ask for wisdom and help in times of need.
A beautiful memorial with benches located at the back of the parish grounds honors the 577 members of the parish community who served in World War II.
There are also two exterior sculptures of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, patron of the parish, which serve to remind parishioners of the call to put the faith into practice through acts of charity.
About Saint Aloysius
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga grew up in a noble family, but even as a child he had a strong sense of God’s presence in his life. At the age of 13, he was sent to the royal household of King Phillip II of Spain, where he served as a page. Life at court left him disillusioned, however, and he found himself drawn increasingly to the spiritual life.
It is better to be a child of God than king of the whole world.”
– Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
His father opposed him, but Aloysius was finally allowed to enter the Society of Jesus at the age of 18. When a plague struck Rome, Aloysius collected alms for victims and cared for them. After contracting the disease, his already unstable health rapidly declined; he died at the age of 23. Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is the patron saint of youth, students, AIDS patients, and their caregivers.
Visit the parish website to learn more about Saint Aloysius Parish.
To view more photos of Saint Aloysius parish, click HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: A statue of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga stands before his parish church in Caldwell, NJ. (Photos by John Touhey / Archdiocese of Newark)
