Immaculate Heart of Mary (Diocese of Harrisburg)
| Immaculate Heart of Mary | |
| City: | |
| Website: | https://www.ihmparadise.org/ |
| Email: |
frjsawacki@hbgdiocese.org |
Immaculate Heart of Mary is in Pennsylvania (United States) and is part of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
It is dedicated to Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Location
It is located at 6084 W Canal Rd, Abbottstown, PA 17301.
| Immaculate Heart of Mary |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
[[Category:Diocese of Harrisburg]]
History
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, traces its origins back to 1809 when Frederick Brandt, a Bavarian immigrant, established a worship space known as Paradise Chapel on his farm. Upon his death in 1822, he willed the land to the church for religious and educational purposes, leading to the formation of what is now Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. The current church structure was built in 1845, making it one of the earliest in the United States dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This dedication reflects a deep Marian devotion among the parishioners.[1][](https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/immaculate-heart-mary-abbottstown/)
The parish has seen several transformations, including the involvement of the Conewago Jesuits and later the Irish Capuchin Franciscan Fathers who managed the parish from 1911 to 1931. Over the years, it has expanded to include a religious education center (constructed in 1979) and has undergone restorations, notably after a severe windstorm in 1941. The church has historical significance, with both the church and the rectory listed in the Civil War history registry.[2][](https://www.ihmparadise.org/)
Immaculate Heart of Mary continues to be a vibrant parish, emphasizing community, faith, and service. It hosts various activities for parishioners, including senior citizen meals, youth religious education, and community celebrations. The parish's cemetery, established in 1842, also plays a significant role in the community, offering a place for the final repose of many local Catholic families.[3][](https://ihmparadise.org/30)
Related parishes
- Immaculate Conception, New Oxford, PA
- Saint Joseph the Worker, Bonneauville, PA