St. Lucy's Church, Newark

Saint Lucy's Church, located on Ruggiero Plaza at the intersection of Seventh Avenue in Newark, stands as a significant cultural and religious landmark in what was once known as Newark's Little Italy. Established as the third Italian parish in Newark, its roots trace back to 1891, with its cornerstone laid in December of that year during the feast of Saint Lucy, the church's namesake. The structure that exists today, however, was built much later, between 1925 and 1926, and is admired for its Neo-Renaissance architecture.

The church is not only a place of worship but also serves as the American National Shrine of Saint Gerard Majella, a patron saint of childbearing. This designation was bestowed by the National Conference of U.S. Bishops in 1977, reflecting the church's importance in the Italian-American community and its reputation for "producing miracle babies" for childless couples through the intercession of Saint Gerard. Saint Lucy's Church holds a special monthly Mass in honor of Saint Gerard, attracting expectant parents and those hoping to conceive.

Saint Lucy's annual October procession and festival for Saint Gerard Majella is a major event, drawing the New Jersey Italian diaspora to celebrate and seek blessings. The church itself was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, further cementing its status as a historic site.

The church's interior features impressive murals by Gonippo Raggi, who also contributed to the Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Heart, enhancing its spiritual and artistic ambiance. The parish's namesake, Saint Lucy, known for her martyrdom in Syracuse, Sicily in the third century, is venerated as the patroness of those afflicted with eye diseases-a reflection of her legendary suffering.

Saint Lucy's Church continues to be a vibrant center of community and faith, deeply embedded in the traditions and history of Newark's Italian-American community.