Prior to 1870, very few Italian immigrants resided in Boston. Rapidly, there grew a number of Italians leaving their homes and country to find a better life in a new world. Along with the immigrants came the rich traditions of Catholicism and legacies of strong faith and devotion to the Church. Tending to the spiritual needs of his people, Archbishop Williams called upon the Order of Friar Minors, the Franciscans, many whom were recent immigrants themselves; to go out and serve those in need, and so began what is now known as Saint Leonard of Port Maurice Church.
Originally situated on a small lot of land, within a decade the continued influx of Italian immigrants prompted the need for a larger place of spiritual respite. Construction began on the Saint Anthony Shrine, named for a great Franciscan saint, with many devotees from the old country. By the mid-1890’s, the parishioners numbered close to twenty thousand. Once again, the Friars recognized the need for a larger worship space to accommodate the faithful. Under the leadership of pastor Father Ubaldus Pandolfi, OFM, the community raised $160,000.00 (the equivalent of over $4 million in 2018) to begin construction. On November 6, 1899, the dedicated parishioners saw the consecration of the new upper church, named after Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, OFM.
Known as “Father of the Italian Immigrant,” Father Pandolfi continued to follow the footsteps of our Seraphic Father Francis as he sought to minister to the next generation. Calling to the Franciscan Sisters for help, Saint Anthony School, situated on parish property, opened in 1902 with an enrollment of 200 children. Within two years, enrollment doubled to 400 children necessitating the construction of a larger school.
Throughout the 20th century, loyal parishioners and the Franciscan Friars built on their humble foundations, consistently reaching out to those most in need. Responding to the deadly influenza epidemic of 1917-1919 and the many orphans left in its’ devastating wake; then-pastor Father Antonio Sousa, OFM and several community members speared a fundraising campaign to create the Home for Italian Children. Located in nearby Jamaica Plain, the Home for Italian Children officially opened in 1921 with 30 children.
The dawn of the 21st century saw Saint Leonard Church incorporate Saint Mary’s Chapel (formerly run by the Jesuit priests) and Sacred Heart Italian Church (formerly run by the Scalabrini Fathers) in the North End of Boston into what became Saint Leonard Parish. The Franciscan Friars continue their ministry to the combined Parish with two worship sites: Saint Leonard Church and Sacred Heart Church.
Spirituality, fraternity, and tradition continue to be the center of life at Saint Leonard of Port Maurice Parish. Rich Italian traditions and customs infuse the diversity of 21st century as new generations and multiple ethnicities embrace the religious societies, the Church, and its ministries.