Local
Archdiocese will mark anniversary of Father Matignon’s death with Mass

By Neil W. McCabe
Posted: 9/12/2008

Father Anthony Matignon Illustration by Gerard P. Rooney

---

BOSTON -- The Archdiocese of Boston will commemorate the anniversary of the death of Father Anthony Matignon, our first diocesan priest, at a noon Mass at South Boston’s St. Augustine Cemetery Chapel, located at 181 Dorchester Street.

“Father Matignon served, from 1792-1818, the Church in Boston, along with his student and later Boston’s first bishop, Jean Cheverus,” said Bishop John A. Dooher, the bishop for the South Region. Bishop Dooher will be the homilist and will be joined by retired Bishop John P. Boles, who will be the main celebrant.

The cemetery is the burial place of Father Matignon, as well as many other priests who served during the early history of the archdiocese, Bishop Dooher said. The chapel is the oldest standing Roman Catholic church structure in Boston.

When Father Matignon, a native of France, died, one Protestant editor wrote in an obituary: “Far from the sepulcher of his fathers repose the ashes of the good and great Dr. Matignon; but his grave is not as among strangers, for it is watered by the tears of an affectionate flock and his memory is cherished by all who value learning, honor and genius, or love devotion.”

More information is available at the Office of the Regional Bishop by calling 781-337-4413.