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Rev. Anthony M. Habrowski Jan. 13, 1885 - Jan. 31, 1957 Roman Catholic Priest

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Sacred Heart Church in Portage, PA

RT. REVEREND MONSIGNOR ANTHONY M. HABROWSKI

Rev. A. M. Habrowski is among the highly esteemed and influential citizens of Portage, where he has served as pastor of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church since May, 1910. He was born in Pittsburgh, Jan. 13, 1885, and is the son of John and Johanna (Urbanski) Habrowski.

John Habrowski, who lives retired in Pittsburgh, was born in Poland. When a young man Mr. Habrowski emigrated to this country and settled in Pittsburgh, where he became a successful building contractor. He holds membership in St. Adalbert's Catholic Church in that city, His wife, who was born in Poland in 1840, died Feb. 19, 1920, and is buried in Pittsburgh. To Mr. and Mrs. Habrowski the following children were born: Dr. Walter John, a physician, died June 15, 1920, at the age of 35 years; Mary, married S. A. Krall, lives in Pittsburgh; Rev. A. M., the subject of this sketch; Joseph A., a professor, lives in Pittsburgh; Johanna, married J. S. Siorski, Lives at Oakdale, Pa.; Elsie, married Dr. J. S. Godlewski, lives in Pittsburgh ; and Loretta, Lives in Pittsburgh.

Rev. A. M. Habrowski received his early education in the parochial schools of Pittsburgh. He was ordained in Altoona, Pa., having studied at the Polish Seminary, now known as Orchard Lake, at Detroit, Mich., and his first appointment was as pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Ralphton, Pa., where he served from October, 1908, until May, 1910, when he was transferred to Portage.

From: HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY, p. 922

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The Reverend Anthony M. Habrowski, born in Pittsburgh, Pa., attained his early education at St. Adalbert Parochial School. In 1903 he graduated from St. Mary's College, Detroit, Michigan, and entered the Seminary of St. Cyril and Methodius. He was ordained in St. John's pro-Cathedral in Altoona, October 23, 1908. On May 7, 1910, Father Habrowski arrived in Portage to take over the pastorate of the Sacred Heart Church. Under his supervision the present rectory and church were built. In 1955 he was elevated to the dignity of a Domestic Prelate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor. The appointment was made in the Holy See in Rome on February 22, 1955, by Pope Pius XII of holy memory. The investiture of Father Habrowski to Monsignor was a great honor for the parishioners of Sacred Heart, for the Poles of the area, and for the entire community of Portage, Pa.

In recognition of the outstanding efforts given so unselfishly in the service of his fellowmen during his tenure in Portage, (May 10, 1910 - Jan. 31, 1957), Monsignor Habrowski received the Portage Rotary Community Service Award posthumously in 1957.

From: Source unknown

Msgr. Anthony M. Habrowski

Sacred Heart Church, Photograph by Edward Pinkowski 1987

Sacred Heart Church, Photograph by: Edward Pinkowski 1987

From: B/W Photographs from Sacred Heart Parish, Portage, PA, Church Anniversary Book; color photos by Edward Pinkowski

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