We warmly welcome you to St Leonard’s, the first Church built by Italian immigrants in New England in 1873.
Through this unique interactive tribute to all immigrants called the Noble Journey Sculpture (NJS), we invite you to not only walk the Noble Journey taken by millions of Italian immigrants who came to this country but to follow in their inspirational footsteps. This beautiful bronze work replicates the gangway used by millions of immigrants to disembark into America and thus holds a special place in the hearts of all those who first settled here in the North End, between 1850-1920. It stands as a lasting reminder of the importance of their inspirational and courageous faith which lead them to construct one of the first Shrines dedicated to St Anthony and later the upper church dedicated to St Leonard.
This precious sculpture is a gift from the North End Historical Society and the community-based Friends of the North End, which was dedicated on September 29th, 2024. For more information about the history and purpose of the sculpture and its donors, visit the North End Historical Society Website (https://www.northendboston.org/noble-journey-sculpture)