St. Peter Parish and the magnificent church in downtown Torrington stand tall as monuments to the many Italian immigrants who settled here over the past, almost hundred years.  They laid the foundations, and to the many who came after them St. Peter Parish became a welcoming spiritual and cultural home away from home.  They brought with them not only the skills which would help them forge a new and better life for themselves and their families but also their faith.  They felt that strong need to have a place where they could worship together as a community where their faith could be nourished while English was still an unfamiliar tongue.  Cultural organizations were formed and their skills as artisans contributed greatly towards the growth and expansion of ­the economy in the city.  We, parishioners at the end of the century and millennium ­pay tribute to those who did the groundwork, bringing a dream to reality and leaving a wonderful spiritual heritage to those who would come after them.  Those early years were not easy ones but they were undaunted by disappointments and setbacks and it was a glorious day when the ground was broken for St. Peter Church on East Main Street.

Between 1901 and 1906 five prominent Italian men were engaged to petition the Bishop of Hartford to send to Torrington an Italian priest who would assist them in establishing an Italian parish.  John DeMichiel, Louis Longhi, Joseph Mascetti, Caesar Rossi, and John Sullo were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the second Catholic church in Torrington, St. Peter's.  Due to the rapid increase of the Italian population ­in Torrington, these men realized that the Italian people had outgrown the use of the chapel at St. Francis Church.  They probably did not realize the long, uphill struggle they would face to erect a church of their own.

The building of St. Peter Church was a twenty-one year endeavor, beginning in April, 1907 and ending in May, 1928.  The process was slow and required numerous meetings between Italian citizens and the Reverend Joachim T. Martinez y Cabrea, who arrived in Torrington on April 28, 1907.  Father Martinez was educated in Italy and spoke the Italian language.  He immediately formed a committee and established the “Societa Catholica Italiana di San Pietro” to enable the Italian immigrants to build a church.  “...committee meetings were held at the homes of the late Paul Telesca, Frank Giordano, Tony Rinaldi, and myself.  Temporary officers were nominated as follows: Chairman, Rev. Martinez; Secretary, Paul Telesca; Treasurers, Tony Rinaldi and Ambrose Robiati.”¹  Other members of the committee, John De Michiel and Joseph Mascetti, became the first Trustees of St. Peter Church.  Both men were road contractors who had achieved much success in their careers and who provided employment for many of the Italian immigrants to Torrington.  Numerous organizational meetings were held during the winter months when the contractors' work was slow.  Approval from the Diocese of Hartford was needed for just about everything in the lengthy process of establishing a new church.

Land was purchased on Center Street and a contract awarded to Louis Longhi and Brothers on April 28, 1908.  At this time, only a basement with a temporary roof would be built.  An official ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone was held on August 9, 1908.  The Right Reverend Bishop Michael Tierney, D.D., of the Diocese of Hartford, officiated.  August 9, 1908 was a Sunday and crowds gathered for the procession to Center Street.  There were only five thousand people who witnessed the lying of the cornerstone according to The Evening Register news articles.

The parade procession started at 2:45 p.m. headed by Marshal William A. Gleason and the American Band.  The procession marched down Main Street, onto East Main Street, and down Center Street.  Bishop Tierney led the delegation of priests to the rear of the church site where the Sanctuary was to be built.  After laying the cornerstone he sprinkled the foundation with holy water.  Visiting clergymen from throughout Connecticut assisted Bishop Tierney at the ceremony.  This was a magnificent day for the Italian community and a long day, once the speeches began.

The Reverend Patrick Duggan, Rector of the Cathedral in Hartford, spoke most eloquently about the new church and the struggle of the Italian immigrants whom he came to know well. In most stirring words he said: “America is under a great obligation to the happy sons of Italy.  The work demanded by the rapid and constant increase of our steam and electric roads so necessary for the expansion, growth, and development of our vast industries and the comfort and convenience of social life, depends mainly on the sinew and muscle of the Italian laborer.  Other races follow lines of work which bring them into immediate contact with cities, towns, and villages, where they enjoy the consolations of their religion.  With the Italian, it is different.  The dam, the watercourse, the sewer, the railroad, and the bridge are far removed from religious influences and are not propitious to the communion of man with his Lord and Redeemer.  Their treatment in those remote places is sometimes severe, harsh, and often cruel.  It would not be tolerated in cities and large towns.  The people would indignantly protest against members of the human family being subjected to such hardships.  They are generally obliged to work not only on six days of the week, but also on Sundays.  Passing through Waterville two weeks ago today, about six o'clock in the evening, one could see hundreds of those people, after sweltering during the day under the rays of blazing sun, rudely and pitilessly marched off tottering and staggering from the railroad bed to the gravel pit to work until eight o'clock.” ²

This was truly a most stirring account of Italian immigrant workers, our grandfathers, fathers, and uncles on their daily toil to establish a new life in a new country.

The Evening Register described the contents of the cornerstone:

“Deposited in the cornerstone was a bronze box containing the following paper written in English, Latin, and Italian: That it may rebound to the greater honor and glory of the Catholic religion and the American Republic and for the good and welfare of Torrington, Right Rev. Michael Tierney, D.D., Bishop of Hartford, Pius the Tenth, Pope of that name, happily and gloriously reigning, Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States, Rollin S. Woodruff being Governor of Connecticut, William Dayton being Warden of Torrington, in the presence of a large multitude of clergy and people, laid according to the rite of the Holy Catholic Church, the cornerstone of St. Peter's Church, Torrington, County of Litchfield, State of Connecticut, this ninth day of August in the Year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and eight.”³

The firm of Louis Longhi and Brothers completed the foundation and placed a temporary structure above ground.  The final two-story structure was to be added when financial conditions allowed.  At that time it was expected to be completed in a few years.

Three months later on Saturday, November 14, 1908, the Right Reverend Monsignor Synnott, Administrator of the Diocese of Hartford, conducted the dedication service.  Bishop Michael Tierney had recently died.  The Reverend Murray of Hartford and Father Ricci of Meriden assisted Monsignor Synnott.  Miss Rose Negri, organist, was accompanied by a choir of Italian singers.

The Evening Register of October 14, 1912 reported the transfer of Father Martinez to St. Michael Church, Patterson, New Jersey.  Father Martinez was St. Peter's first pastor.  His efforts and achievements on behalf of Torrington's Italian citizens were duly noted and recognized in The Evening Register news article.  It was through the efforts of Father Martinez that St. Peter Church was established.  His immense contributions to St. Peter Church cannot be underestimated.

St. Peter's second pastor was Father Anthony Rizzo.  Father Rizzo was the nephew of the Very Reverend Leo da Saracena, who had been an important person in the religious life of the early Italian immigrants to Torrington.  Father Rizzo was a diligent pastor and tended to an ever-increasing number of Italian immigrants.  After less than two years as pastor, Father Rizzo was transferred in August, 1914 to Holy Rosary Church, Bridgeport, CT.

For unknown reasons, Bishop John J. Nilan closed St. Peter Church to services upon the transfer of Father Rizzo.  Most naturally, the Italian community did not like this and the Bishop had to know that this would not be taken lightly.  A meeting was held by the parishioners to discuss the matter.  It was agreed that a committee would be appointed to petition Bishop Nilan to reopen the church and appoint a permanent pastor to succeed Father Rizzo.  A request to appear before the Bishop was made.  The committee was composed of Nicholas Calabrese, Nicholas Guerrieri, John Sullo, and Paul Telesca and presented its case to Bishop Nilan on September 11, 1914.  Evidently the Bishop was impressed with the committee's presentation, because he appointed a temporary pastor by the following Sunday.

On September 24, 1914, Bishop John J. Nilan appointed the Reverend Salvatore Bonforti to the pastorate of St. Peter Church.  Father Bonforti said his first Mass at St. Peter Church on Sunday, September 27, 1914.  Father Salvatore Bonforti served as the pastor of St. Peter's for almost sixteen years, leaving on January 13, 1930.  However, at the beginning of 1919 Father Bonforti returned to Italy for two years.  During his absence Father Louis Robotti served as administrator of St. Peter Church.  During his sixteen years as pastor of St. Peter Church, Father Bonforti had the responsibility of coordinating the construction of the church edifice.  He very ably oversaw the entire building process: the decision to relocate St. Peter Church to East Main Street, the completion of the edifice in September, 1926, and the dedication of the new church on May 13, 1928.

Italian Catholics in Torrington continued to worship in their basement church on Center Street.  An effort was made in September, 1922 to change the location of the church, but was unsuccessful.  So, plans for the superstructure on the Center Street site were submitted by architect Daniel Guerriero and approved in December, 1925.  The completion of the church was long overdue.  A much larger facility was needed for the growing Italian population.  To administer the building of the new church a building committee was formed comprised of the two trustees, John DeMichiel, Joseph Mascetti, and John Sanzone, Anselmo Negri, and Paul Telesca.

“However, from the time services were first held in the basement church, considerable trouble was experienced from flooding during heavy rainstorms, because of its low level.  Many members of the parish felt that a more suitable site should be selected for the erection of the church.  So, in September 1926 an opportunity to purchase the property of Nicholas Ostrofsky on East Main Street as a site for a new church was accepted.  With this, purchase plans for a superstructure on Center Street were abandoned and plans were formulated for the erection of a new church on East Main Street and for a campaign to raise $100,000 for its construction.  In January 1927 the contract for the erection of the new church was awarded to Charles Longhi and Son.  The plans called for a church of Gothic design made of local granite with cast stone trim, a red slate roof, and a simple central spire.  On February 20, 1927 work was begun on the new site with the removal of two elm trees reputed to be one hundred years old. Ground was broken on March 1, 1927 and the work of laying the foundation began on March 16, 1927.  Two months later the Most Reverend Maurice F. McAuliffe, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Hartford, officiated at the laying of the cornerstone on May 22, 1927.”⁴

“The cornerstone for the new church is 25 inches by 34 inches and was carved from local granite, with rock frame and dressed panel, personally by John DeMichiel of the firm, John DeMichiel and Brothers, who furnished all of the granite for the church.

The trowel used for the occasion by the bishop was engraved with the following: “This trowel, donated by Charles Longhi and Sons, builders, was used at the laying of the cornerstone of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Torrington, Connecticut, May 22, 1927, by the Right Reverend John J. Nilan, D.D., Bishop of Hartford, Rev. S. Bonforti, Pastor, Daniel A. Guerriero, architect.”

The new church was completed on March 1, 1928.

On Sunday, May 13, the Right Rev. John J. Nilan, D.D. solemnly dedicated the fine new St. Peter's Church, on East Main Street, Torrington.  Assisting the Bishop at the ceremonies were the pastor of St. Peter's, Rev. Salvatore Bonforti, under whose direction the beautiful new structure was erected, Rev. William J. Fanning, pastor of St. Francis’, Torrington, the Rev. Philip Robotti of the Dominican Order, New York City, and the Rev. Silvio Sartori, pastor of St. Anthony's Church, New Haven.

Following the ceremony of dedication, a solemn High Mass, the first in the new church, was celebrated at 10:30 by Father Bonforti, assisted by Father Robotti as deacon, Father Sartori as sub-deacon, and Father Fanning as master of ceremonies.  Father Robotti delivered the sermon during the Mass.  At the conclusion of the Mass Bishop Nilan, who took occasion to congratulate the congregation upon the erection of its fine, new edifice, addressed the congregation.

Those who have cooperated with the pastor during his administration and have served as trustees are John DeMichiel, John Sanzone, the late Joseph Mascetti, Anselmo Negri, and Paul Telesca.”⁵

“On January 13, 1930 Father Bonforti was granted a leave of absence to visit his native Italy and the Reverend William P. Botticelli, then a curate at Our Lady of Lourdes in Waterbury, was appointed to administer the affairs of the parish in his absence.  Subsequently, Father Bonforti decided to remain in Italy and Father Botticelli was appointed the fourth pastor of St. Peter's.  Hard and lean years greeted Father Botticelli with the depression and heavy debt on the parish in the early thirties.  With grim determination and enthusiasm he organized the parish to accept its duties and to fulfill them to the best of their ability.  During the next few years a new organ and the beautiful stained glass windows were installed and the grounds beautified.

 The parish continued to make remarkable progress - a testimony to the leadership of Father “Bill”, as he came to be affectionately known, and to the spirit of good will among the parishioners.  In July 1942, the resonant carillon bells were installed in the spire of the church - bells that can be controlled by a special keyboard on the organ.  In 1943 the Rialto Hall adjacent to the rectory was purchased.  Extensive alterations then and in succeeding years has made St. Peter's Hall the finest in Torrington where programs of both a parochial and community nature are held.

 With the religious formation of the youth of the parish uppermost in mind Father “Bill” arranged in 1942 for the Religious Teachers Filippini to come to St. Peter's to assist him in this obligation.  And so, a sixteen-room convent was constructed then for the sisters - large enough to accommodate the sisters necessary to staff a school that would be built in the future.

 A memorable event in the history of the parish and a cause of great exultation occurred on February 6, 1949 when in a formal ceremony Father Botticelli burned the last remaining note of $60,000.  For the first time in its history the parish was free of debt.

The people of Torrington rejoiced with the parishioners of St. Peter's on March 11, 1954 when the Most Reverend Henry J. O'Brien, Archbishop of Hartford, announced that Pope Pius XII had appointed Father “Bill” a Domestic Prelate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor.  Only the year before he had been appointed a Diocesan Consultor.”⁶

Through Father Bill's generous hospitality, a unique link was established between Bishop Constantino Luna of Guatemala and the people of St. Peter Church in Torrington.  This unique link began in 1951 when Bishop Luna returned to the United States following fifteen years as a missionary in China.  He visited his sister, Brigida Luna Bertoldi, in Torrington where he enjoyed a much-needed rest, helped out at St. Peter's and taught catechism to the local children.  In 1956 Bishop Luna was assigned to Zacapa, Guatemala.  Bishop Luna continued his annual visits to his Torrington relatives until he ascended to his eternal reward on September 1, 1997.  St. Peter Church continues to sponsor a sister parish in Guatemala, St. Cecilia’s.

“The progress for the parish was interrupted on August 19, 1955 when a disastrous flood inundated all the properties of the parish causing extensive damage to the church, rectory, convent, hall, and community house - damage to the tune of about $55,000.  With head bowed but spirit undaunted the parishioners under the leadership of Monsignor “Bill” met the challenge of frustration and conquered it.  In a short time repairs and improvements of the church properties were completed and sights were raised to a new project.

On January 8, 1956 St. Peter's inaugurated a campaign for funds to build a parochial school and rectory.  The minimum goal was set at $150,000 but when the campaign closed two months later a total of $252,000 in cash and pledges had been received.  Once again the parishioners of St. Peter's manifested their faith, courage, and spirit of sacrifice, qualities that make a parish pleasing to Almighty God.  The contract for the construction of the school was awarded to Julius Bonvicini and Company.  Ground was broken on February 20, 1956.  The school was completely finished in record time by the contractor, Julius Bonvicini.  His cooperation enabled the opening of the school for classes on September 5, 1956.

A total of 91 children registered for the first, second, and third grades.  The Kindergarten was opened on Monday, September 10, 1956 with 40 children attending.  Each year an additional class will be added until the full compliment of eight grades is attained.

The principal, Superior Mary Patti, M.P.F., had for her teaching corps Sister Sebastian Favara, Sister Judith Serra, and Mrs. Roland Calabrese.

On Sunday, September 23, 1956, the most Reverend Henry J. O'Brien, Archbishop of Hartford laid the cornerstone and blessed the school building.  The Reverend John J. Castellani preached the dedication sermon.  And thus another significant milestone in the history of St. Peter's Parish came to a happy fulfillment.”⁷

 “The first graduation was held in June of 1962 with thirty-seven students receiving diplomas.  Since its beginning, thirty-five classes have graduated creating alumni of approximately 950 students.

 In 1982 Sacred Heart School in Torrington closed its doors and in 1984, St. Mary School also closed, changing the ethnic population of the school.  Many students from those two schools enrolled at St. Peter School at that time.  Changes in enrollment numbers ­and ethnicity of the school occurred.

 During the late 1980’s, the predominately Italian population living near the church and school decreased.  Since this time, the school body has become more culturally diverse.

 Today, in 1999, St. Peter's School has an enrollment of 180 students and serves not only St. Peter parish and families of Torrington, but also many other parishes and surrounding towns as well.

 Our mission and purpose has never wavered throughout all of its years in existence.  ­We strive to educate students who will be Christ-like leaders with a background rooted in Catholic truth and tradition.  Integrating the knowledge of the Catholic tradition and ­blending these truths with academic, social and personal growth, we aim to provide an atmosphere in St. Peter School that is intellectually, socially, and spiritually alive.”⁸

  The following Principals have served at St. Peter Parochial School:

1956-62 Sr. Mary Patti, M.P.F.

1968-73 Sr. Ginetta Andriola, M.P.F.

1979-85 Sr. Irene Rizzo, M.P.F.

1962-68 Sr. Catherine Girgenti, M.P.F.

1973-79 Sr. Magdalen Fantigrossi, M.P.F.

1985-present Sr. Annette, D’Antonio, M.P.F.