Recollections
To accommodate his growing congregation, Father set his sights on building a church to replace the second parish church, the former Lyceum. Planning began in the late 1920’s. Engaging the finest architect and artisans, despite the challenges of the Great Depression, the cornerstone was finally laid in 1930. Built and dedicated by 1932, the years that followed would bring the installation of masterful stained glass windows as well as inspired artistic carvings and decorative art. In the words of Jacob: “How awesome this place is! This is nothing else but the house of God, the gateway to heaven!” (Gen. 28:17)
In 1934 Fr. Canova purchased the house that is now the parish rectory. By 1945, as the struggles of World War II came to a close, Father and his flock rejoiced in the paying off the church mortgage. Sadly and shockingly, to both the parish and the Diocese, Fr. John Canova died while offering the final prayers at the funeral Mass of a parishioner on Monday, November 29, 1948 in his beloved church, at the foot of the main altar.
A person of humility, having lived the message of the patron saint of our parish, Father Canova was buried in our parish cemetery, a simple stone marking his grave.
Perhaps the next time while at church, as you look a little closer than you may have in the past, remember him in your prayers as well as offer thanks to God for Father John L. Canova and his edifying legacy.
The Church of St. John the Baptist, Monaca, Pennsylvania, as it looked in the early 1930's, prior to the the installation of stained glass windows and decorative wall paint.
(Photo: St. John the Baptist Parish Archive)
To learn more about our parish, visit the History page and the Clergy Timeline.
May God continue to bless and watch over the Parish of St. John the Baptist, Monaca as well as all of its past, present and future parishioners, both now and forever.
Share the memories.
Share the faith.
The Faith Community of St. John the Baptist, Monaca, PA
Sharing favorite memories of St. John the Baptist Parish...
"I remember the beautiful Latin High Mass sung by the all-male [parish] choir under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Val (Dr. Emma) Rocco."
It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Mary Marchione
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"The first St. John’s Church [building] that I remember was the small brick church at Virginia Avenue & 15th Street, where the school now stands. The wooden altar was at the front of the church, and Fr. Canova had his back to us during Mass. In the spring we had Strawberry Festivals in the backlot behind the church. I made my first holy communion and confirmation in that church.
When the current church was built, the small brick church was torn down. My husband, Albert, and I had our marriage blessed in the new church with Fr. Canova officiating. His secretary, Emery Cain, and his housekeeper, Victoria, were witnesses. When Fr. Farri became the pastor (He wasn’t a monsignor just yet.), my husband Albert, told him that we wanted to buy the old church’s Stations of the Cross [relief panels] that had been sent to the diocese for storage. They went to Pittsburgh and purchased them for $3 each and put them in the convent. They are now in the school. I have many good memories of St. John’s — my children’s baptisms, holy communions, confirmations and marriages."
Anna Antoline
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"When we were married I was a non-Catholic and the marriage ceremony was held in the rectory. On our 40th wedding anniversary, we renewed our vows at a special Mass with Father DeCarlo and Father Nick [Mastrangelo] as co-celebrants. Celebrating this with our family and friends in attendance made this very special."
Guy & Theo Polce
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"Students at St. John's went to Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent. Our classmates were altar boys and carried the candles as Father prayed the Stations. It was all we could do to keep from laughing, and causing the boys to laugh, while trying to be serious.
Girls and women were required to cover their heads when in church. We wore either hats or 'chapel veils'. If you didn't have a chapel veil, we would place a Kleenex on our head using bobby pins.
When I was quite young, I thought the confessional was HUGE. It was later that I realized how very small it really is. The Sisters of Divine Providence taught at St. John's. When they wore [full-length] habits, we would try to get a peek of their ankles."
Sue Schachern-Henderson
Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Parish
1409 Pennsylvania Avenue
Monaca, Pennsylvania 15061