The members of Saint Anthony Society, sponsors of the North End’s famous St. Anthony’s Feast, have pledged $25,000 to the restoration of Saint Leonard Church.
The church, opened in 1873, is New England’s oldest church built by Italian immigrants and has undergone an extensive year-long restoration. The refurbishment includes work on the stained-glass windows, the gilt ceilings and frescoes, new flooring, wiring, lighting and handicap access has been installed.
“We are proud to support the restoration of our beautiful parish church,” said Gerald Moretti, President of St. Anthony’s Society, “St. Leonard’s has been home to many monumental events in our neighborhood’s spiritual life, we are happy to play a small part to ensure it continues to be.”
St. Leonard’s is the parish of St. Anthony’s Feast and the Franciscan Friars, led by Pastor Father Antonio, are great friends to the society. Cardinal Sean O’Malley will celebrate Mass and consecrate the new altar, officially reopening Saint Leonard Church on Sunday, December 17 at 12:00 noon.
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Donations toward the restoration of St. Leonard Church can be made online here or by sending checks to St. Leonard’s Restoration Fund, 320 Hanover St., Boston MA 02113. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt within 2 weeks of your donation. For gifts from donor-advised charitable accounts use “St. Leonard of Port Maurice” Tax ID 04-2108397 and designate Church Restoration Fund.
