New Bedford’s Downtown Our Lady’s Chapel Has an Interesting Story

As a kid, I recall that in times of family troubles, including death, dying and illness, my Nana and perhaps an aunt or two would hotfoot it down to "the chapel" in downtown New Bedford to light candles.

The chapel was also a place the faithful in my family would visit to have things such as rosary beads, bibles and such blessed.

That is all I knew about Our Lady's Chapel at 600 Pleasant Street.

I remember hitting a patch in my life some years back, and though I am not the most religious person, I found myself inside the chapel, seeking solace. A bit awkward and out of place, I lit a candle – for me.

It seemed to help, or at least it brought some comfort.

I also remember the monks with their flowing robes and "Jesus" sandals, their feet exposed to the cold, hurrying through the downtown. I imagined they were ministering to those in need. I never knew for sure.

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I recently learned that Our Lady's Chapel was the name given to the sanctuary founded in 1950 by Friars Minor who used to live in New Bedford.

The Marian Friary of Our Lady, Queen of the Seraphic Order, which occupies the chapel now, was, according to its website, "officially opened on December 15, 1992 (Feast of Our Lady, Queen of the Seraphic Order) by Bishop Sean O'Malley, of OFM Cap, now the Bishop and Cardinal of the diocese of Boston."

The website says, "The sanctuary was closed in 1999, and the Friars Minor moved to Providence while it was reopened by the Franciscans of the Immaculate on December 15 of the same year."

There is a legend about Our Lady's Chapel that I can neither prove nor disprove.

According to urban legend, then-Mayor Rosemary Tierney would stop to pray at the chapel each morning before having a shot of Irish whiskey at a pub on Union Street and a hearty breakfast at either Dillon's Restaurant on County Street or the former Green Diner on Rockdale Avenue before heading to City Hall.