St. Anthony of Padua Mission (Diocese of Arlington)
| Saints Elizabeth and Anthony Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Saint Anthony of Padua |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 1 |
| Address: | 720 East Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 |
| Coordinates: | 38.8889, -77.1028 |
| City: | Falls Church, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Fairfax County |
| Website: | https://saintselizabethandanthony.com/ |
| Founded: | 1919 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | office@saintselizabethandanthony.com |
Saints Elizabeth and Anthony Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Falls Church, Virginia. Dedicated jointly to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, the thirteenth-century princess of the Kingdom of Hungary venerated for her charity to the poor and sick, and Saint Anthony of Padua, the thirteenth-century Portuguese Franciscan priest and Doctor of the Church renowned for his preaching and miracles—the parish serves a diverse urban-suburban community in the City of Falls Church.
Established in 1919 as Saint Anthony Mission and elevated to parish status shortly thereafter, the parish has grown with the area. The current church building was dedicated in 1958. As of December 20, 2025, Saints Elizabeth and Anthony offers daily Masses, faith formation programs, and ministries supporting spiritual growth and charitable service.
The parish community honors its patrons through reflection on charity, evangelization, and care for those in need.
History
Saints Elizabeth and Anthony Parish began as Saint Anthony Mission in 1919 under the Diocese of Richmond, serving Catholics in Falls Church.[1]
It was elevated to parish status and later incorporated devotion to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. The current church was dedicated in 1958.[2]
The parish joined the Diocese of Arlington in 1974. Growth has included expansions in ministries reflecting the patrons' charisms.
Special features
- Emphasis on charitable outreach inspired by Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
- Devotion to Saint Anthony of Padua for intercession in lost causes
- Active faith formation and community ministries
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.
Architecture
The church, dedicated in 1958, reflects mid-twentieth-century design suited to suburban growth.
Art and devotional features
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources. Devotional elements likely include representations of the co-patrons Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Saint Anthony of Padua.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "Parish History". Saints Elizabeth and Anthony Catholic Church. https://saintselizabethandanthony.com/parish-history.
- ↑ "Saints Elizabeth and Anthony". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/jubilee/our-diocese/our-history/parish-history-profiles/saints-elizabeth-and-anthony/.