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St. Mary's Parish was founded in 1842 to serve the ever-increasing population of German-speaking immigrants in Newark. Before a separate church was built, Mass for the German-speaking community was held at St. John's Church.

Joseph Valvano, son of , was born in Linden, NJ on . He attended Saint Benedict's Preparatory School. Upon joining the monastery (St. Mary's) he took the name Melvin. When the abbey in Newark became independant of St. Mary's Abbey, he chose to remain with the new community. He taught French and Religion in St. Benedict's, and at one time served a Prior of the monastic community. In 1973 he was elected the second Abbot of Newark Abbey.