Catholicism comes to Provincetown

In 1852, Rev. Joseph Finotti, a native of Italy, came to town and commenced preaching to the Catholic populace

1833 Rev. Finotti, born in Italy, became a Jesuit in Rome this year (Vantine 13)
August 26, 1852 Arrived in Provincetown to give a mission to the Catholics of the community (Vantine 11)
 

Most, if not all Catholics in town were of Irish descent. Portuguese didn't settle here in any number until 1860 (Vantine 12)

  Celebrated the first mass in Dennis Cahill's house on Franklin Street (Jennings 152)
  Said mass also in the house owned by Thomas Welch and in the Pilgrim House (Jennings 152)
  A Sunday School was started at Mr. Cahill's, organized by Mr. Jeremiah Quinn as it's first teacher (Jennings 152)
  Due to increased Portuguese Catholics coming from the Azores, subsequent school relocations to accommodate them took place right up to the present location (Jennings 152)
  Father Finotti came to Provincetown 3-4 times a year caring for his small flock, watching it grow.
   
November Performed the first Catholic marriage in town between Patrick Meagher and Mary Nailand (Vantine 11)
   
December 1853 He bought a building known as Snow's Block, 119 Bradford Street. It had been Wesleyan Academy, used by the High School and called the Seminary. He saw it as a place to celebrate mass, use the upstairs for Sunday School, and use the basement to live.