Rev. Anthony Polidori
Rev. Anthony John Polidori (born August 21, 1914) is a Roman Catholic priest currently serving as pastor of Saint Barbara’s Parish in Madbury, New Hampshire. A native of Cranston, Rhode Island, Father Polidori is a decorated WWII veteran who saw combat in the Pacific as a chaplain in the U.S. Army from 1943 until the end of the war. Upon his return in 1946, he was assigned to Saint Anne’s Parish in Manchester, New Hampshire, before moving to Saint Barbara’s as the new pastor on September 5, 1954.
It was while attending school in New Hampshire that “Father Tony,” as he is now affectionately known, first discerned his calling to the priesthood. After prayerful consideration and consultation with the Benedictine monks of Saint Anselm Abbey, he ultimately chose to follow the call, enrolling at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. On May 26, 1940, he was ordained in Manchester’s Saint Joseph Cathedral, where he began his first assignment as a parish priest.
With the outbreak of war late the following year, Father Polidori once again felt called to action. In March of 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a chaplain with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He was shipped overseas the following February, and saw combat in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. By war’s end, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. Among his many honors were a Purple Heart, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster and a Silver Star for heroism in action. After the war, he served as curate at Saint Anne’s Parish in Manchester before moving to Saint Barbara’s as the new pastor following the abrupt departure of Rev. Eduard Poisson in 1954.
His hair is jet black and lustrous, always well-trimmed, neatly combed and groomed with Vitalis. His soulful brown eyes are as capable of sharing the deepest compassion as they are of delivering the sharpest moral rebuke, depending upon the situation. He is blessed with a broad, infectious smile that is as disarming as it is irresistible. His aquiline nose, gently curved lips, and swarthy complexion provide elegant evidence of his Mediterranean heritage.
Whether dressed casually, clothed in the traditional cassock, or wearing liturgical vestments, Father Polidori strives to project the best image possible. His clothing, though not necessarily the finest, is always tailored to fit and well-maintained. He carries himself with grace, dignity and even a bit of flair. Though he may sometimes seem vain and vulnerable to flattery, he sees it as his responsibility to be looked well upon by others in the community, and counts his personal appearance as a component of that.
He has a striking voice that is instantly recognizable and perfectly suited for his chosen calling. Full-toned, deep, and resonant, it commands attention and often announces his presence in a room long before he is seen. He is passionate and emotive when he speaks, his entire body bringing a physicality to his words. Whether leading his parishioners in prayer or singing sacred hymns, Father Polidori's sonorous voice and sincere delivery never fail to enhance the spirituality of the moment. And the same is true in more casual settings, where his booming unrestrained laughter always brings joy to whomever is with him.
It may be said that Father Polidori's natural self assurance and optimism are deeply rooted in his fundamental faith and dedication to the Catholic Church. Having heard and answered the call to serve his Lord, his battle-tested faith is unshakable. There is an element of worship in everything he does. He is a caring shepherd to his flock, leading by example through service to others.
He carries the scars of war, visible and invisible, with aparent ease, though they continue to haunt his dreams. Having endured the tests through his faith, he now draws added strength from his experiences. This mental toughness, combined with his all-consuming dedication to his faith, give Father Polidori tremendous physical courage in the face of danger. And although as a man of the cloth he abhors violence, he is physically capable of defending himself and would do so if necessary.
Life and Career
Anthony John Polidori was born August 21, 1914, in Cranston, Rhode Island, the second son and fourth child of Salvatore Polidori (1882–1949), a production jeweler employed in a Providence costume jewelry shop, and Fortunata (Lubrano) Polidori (1889–1956). He attended Santa Maria della Civita parochial school, and later Cranston High School, where he excelled at baseball and football before graduating in 1932. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Angelo, he attended St. Anselm's College in Manchester, New Hampshire, graduating in 1936 with a B.A. in Philosophy.It was while attending school in New Hampshire that “Father Tony,” as he is now affectionately known, first discerned his calling to the priesthood. After prayerful consideration and consultation with the Benedictine monks of Saint Anselm Abbey, he ultimately chose to follow the call, enrolling at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. On May 26, 1940, he was ordained in Manchester’s Saint Joseph Cathedral, where he began his first assignment as a parish priest.
With the outbreak of war late the following year, Father Polidori once again felt called to action. In March of 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a chaplain with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He was shipped overseas the following February, and saw combat in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. By war’s end, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. Among his many honors were a Purple Heart, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster and a Silver Star for heroism in action. After the war, he served as curate at Saint Anne’s Parish in Manchester before moving to Saint Barbara’s as the new pastor following the abrupt departure of Rev. Eduard Poisson in 1954.
Description
Father Polidori is most easily described as “tall, dark and handsome.” Standing 6’1” and weighing 195 pounds, with an athletic build and classic Italian good looks, he was the heartthrob of his class at Cranston High. Undoubtedly many of his former schoolmates were surprised, and certain alumnae even a little crestfallen, to see him wearing a Roman collar at their ten-year reunion.His hair is jet black and lustrous, always well-trimmed, neatly combed and groomed with Vitalis. His soulful brown eyes are as capable of sharing the deepest compassion as they are of delivering the sharpest moral rebuke, depending upon the situation. He is blessed with a broad, infectious smile that is as disarming as it is irresistible. His aquiline nose, gently curved lips, and swarthy complexion provide elegant evidence of his Mediterranean heritage.
Whether dressed casually, clothed in the traditional cassock, or wearing liturgical vestments, Father Polidori strives to project the best image possible. His clothing, though not necessarily the finest, is always tailored to fit and well-maintained. He carries himself with grace, dignity and even a bit of flair. Though he may sometimes seem vain and vulnerable to flattery, he sees it as his responsibility to be looked well upon by others in the community, and counts his personal appearance as a component of that.
He has a striking voice that is instantly recognizable and perfectly suited for his chosen calling. Full-toned, deep, and resonant, it commands attention and often announces his presence in a room long before he is seen. He is passionate and emotive when he speaks, his entire body bringing a physicality to his words. Whether leading his parishioners in prayer or singing sacred hymns, Father Polidori's sonorous voice and sincere delivery never fail to enhance the spirituality of the moment. And the same is true in more casual settings, where his booming unrestrained laughter always brings joy to whomever is with him.
Personality
Father Polidori’s confidence, outgoing nature, and natural charm draw people to him instantly. His warmth and engaging presence light up a room, uplifting everyone in it. He is generous with his time and attention, and at his best in large groups of people. He is humble to a fault, and self-effacing, often the brunt of his own jokes. Yet somehow, despite his sincerest efforts to engage others and make them the center of conversation, it always seems that he is the conductor of the discussion and everyone else merely his audience.It may be said that Father Polidori's natural self assurance and optimism are deeply rooted in his fundamental faith and dedication to the Catholic Church. Having heard and answered the call to serve his Lord, his battle-tested faith is unshakable. There is an element of worship in everything he does. He is a caring shepherd to his flock, leading by example through service to others.
He carries the scars of war, visible and invisible, with aparent ease, though they continue to haunt his dreams. Having endured the tests through his faith, he now draws added strength from his experiences. This mental toughness, combined with his all-consuming dedication to his faith, give Father Polidori tremendous physical courage in the face of danger. And although as a man of the cloth he abhors violence, he is physically capable of defending himself and would do so if necessary.
Rev. Anthony J. Polidori
ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST
Rev. Anthony J. Polidori
Photo by W. A. Rheault, Manchester, N.H.
Photo by W. A. Rheault, Manchester, N.H.
Children
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born
21 August 1915
Cranston, R.I.
Parents
Salvatore Polidori
(1882-1949)
Fortunata Lubrano
(1889-1956)
Education
St. Anselm’s College
(B.A., 1936)
St. Mary’s Seminary
(M.Div., 1940)
Ordained
26 May 1940
Denomination
Roman Catholic
Military Service
U.S. Army
(1943-1946)
…
Comments