History of Holyoke's Churches

The Parish of Mater Dolorosa

      The first pastor to take up his residence among the Polish people of Holyoke was Rev. Anthony Sikorski. Until his arrival, September 26, 1896, the spiritual needs of this large and growing portion of our community were cared for by Rev. Francis S. Chalupka of Chicopee. A chapel on Bridge street, in which the Polish people first worshipped, was destroyed by fire. They met for service some time afterward in the basement of the Rosary Church. Father Sikorski labored so earnestly for his people that, like the Good Shepherd, he gave his life for them. Perhaps the difficulties he encountered in organizing his people into a parish, and in providing them a spiritual home, inspired the name he bestowed on the new church. He called it the Mater Dolorosa, the Sorrowful Mother. It was built in 1902 at the corner of Lyman and Maple streets.

Rev. Casimir Cwiklinski
Rev. Casimir Cwiklinski

      Father Sikorski was succeeded by Rev. Stanislaus Tarnowski, O.M.C. Father Tarnowski, by his gracious manner, his energy and his learning, first won the hearts of his people; then he inspired to so live and work that they might be a power for good in the community. He was very successful as a pastor. He built a fine school, and surrounded it by an ample playground. In this school the Sisters of St. Francis now teach over 400 children.
      Father Tarnowski, who was a Franciscan, was succeeded January 1, 1911, by Rev. Casimir Cwiklinski, likewise a gentleman of Assisi, Father Cwiklinski is a man of large views and great energy. He has encouraged his people to advance in temporal as well as in eternal things. He built, in 1912, a new convent, enlarged the school, and so beautified the parish grounds that they glow with flowers and shrubs and a well-kept lawn. Under the leadership of Father Cwiklinski the Polish people are fast becoming a great power for good in our city.
      The curate of Mater Dolorosa is Rev. John Kaplinski, O.M.C. He is of great help to Father Cwiklinski in caring for the spiritual life of 4,000 souls. For to this number has grown the little band of faithful Catholics who welcomed Father Sikorski, sixteen years ago.


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