Church of St Anthony of Padua, Broadstone, Dorset

The dedication of this church honours St Anthony of Padua (also known as St Anthony of Lisbon in Portugal). The church was opened by Bishop Cyril Restieaux of Plymouth in 1959, the site for the church having been chosen to serve the Catholic population in the adjacent Waterloo Estate. It is one of the four Catholic churches in the Borough of Poole.

The Catholic history of Broadstone developed from the surrounding area in the pre- and post-Reformation era, especially in Canford Magna, in which the parish of Broadstone was located, along with other Catholic villages such as Stapehill, Hampreston and Wimborne Minster. Poole, the main town in the area, was staunchly Protestant at that time.

During the years after the Reformation, when it was difficult and dangerous for Catholics to practise their faith, Mass was offered secretly at various manors belonging to wealthy Catholic families. Later, in the 19th century, it became easier for Catholics to attend Mass openly and several Catholic churches were established in the area, including St Joseph & St Walburga's in Parkstone and St Mary's in Poole.

Broadstone began to develop as a village in the late 19th century and, following the expansion after the Second World War, it became clear that a Mass centre was needed. At first, Mass was celebrated in the homes of a priest's sister and parents, then in a hall until finally, it was realised that a church was needed in Broadstone.

Following the opening in 1959, St Anthony's was supplied by priests from St Mary's, Poole until 1965, when a presbytery was built and a parish priest appointed. The first priest was Father Joseph Phelan, followed by Fathers John Day, Con Twohig, John Kinane, Kenneth Noakes (now Canon) and the present parish priest, Father Keith Collins, whose Golden Jubilee is celebrated in 2007.

A splendid statue of St Anthony of Padua, carved in wood by Tom Preater, was donated to the church a few years ago and stands in the sanctuary.