From the Restore St. Leonard’s committee, Carmine Guarino and Michael Bonetti, gave an update on the church’s reconstruction. The church was closed in January, 2017 for interior demolition/reconstruction, and current restoration is moving full speed ahead. The goal is to re-open the church for Christmas, 2017.
Of the $3.2 million dollars estimated to complete this project, $1.5 million has already been raised through the generous donations of benefactors and investment returns in the Church Reserve Fund.
In 1873, St. Leonard’s Roman Catholic Church was founded as the first parish in New England built by Italian immigrants. For over 140 years it has served as the vibrant parish home for generations of North End families, and a place of quiet prayer and reflection for tens of thousands of visitors.
In addition to the restoration efforts, the Church will be sponsoring a special procession on June 13th, the Feast Day for St. Anthony. An outdoor mass will be held in the Peace Garden on Hanover Street followed by a candlelit procession through the streets of the North End. See this post for more information.
To add your support for the restoration project, make a donation at the Restore St. Leonard’s website. Checks are also welcome to St. Leonard’s Restoration Fund, 320 Hanover St., Boston MA 02113. Memorial opportunities are explained on the website. Any size financial donation is welcome and appreciated!
