NEW BOOK RELEASE (October 2020): St. Leo's parishioner Suzanna Rosa Molino highlights almost 200 captivating vintage photos telling stories of some of the Italian immigrants and their families who settled in Baltimore, Maryland. Published by Arcadia Publishing (NC) - Images of America series.
 

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BACK COVER: Italian immigrants flocked to America beginning in the mid-1800s unaware of the hardships ahead, much like the harsh conditions they left behind in Italy. Despite discrimination, scarce employment, hunger, and drudgery, they courageously established trades, businesses, parishes, and solid family life in neighborhood enclaves nearly identical to their native villages. Close to two centuries later, Baltimore’s thriving Italian community marvels at the grit and backbone of their families in their conquest of Americanization. Fortified by love of today’s famiglia, food, traditions, faith, and close-knit community, Baltimore Italians celebrate their ethnicity while celebrating those before them. 

These captivating photographs – cherished and generously shared by families of Baltimore’s Italian immigrants – offer a brief yet fascinating insight into some of their rich history: who came from which village, how they paved the way, the jobs they worked, how they grew up, and the bravery displayed as they fought in wars for the United States. They did not sacrifice their birthright to become American; instead, they humbly added to it and called themselves Italian Americans.

In addition to many other topics on the ethnic and charming neighborhood of Baltimore's Little Italy, this history book (2015) includes the following segments about St. Leo's Church. Its author, Suzanna Molino, is a St. Leo's parishioner, granddaughter of four Italian immigrants, and director of the nonprofit organization, Promotion Center for Little Italy.

• St. Leo’s Firsts
• Restorations and Improvements
• Noteworthy Features
• St. Leo’s Italian Orphan Asylum, 1913–1957
• St. Leo’s School, 1882–1980
• Historical Parish Societies Still in Existence
• Earlier Parish Societies and Organizations
• The Ravioli Is Still Rampant (ravioli recipe included!)
• Why St. Leo’s Honors St. Anthony with an Annual Italian Festival
• Feast of St. Gabriel Italian Festival
• Rev. Oreste Pandola Learning Center

BACK COVER: Before outdoor films, mouth watering cuisine and the spectacle of bocce brought thousands of visitors to its streets, Baltimore’s Little Italy was a haven for generations of immigrants. With St. Leo’s Church at its heart, The Neighborhood is a place where lifelong friendships are forged and nicknames are serious business. The community still celebrates the Feast of St. Anthony Italian Festival in tribute to the saint who was credited with saving the neighborhood from the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. As sons went to the front during both world wars, families pulled together during the hard times. With memories of beloved local figures like Marion “Mugs” Mugavero and artist Tony DeSales, interviews with lifelong locals and a few classic recipes, author Suzanna Rosa Molino creates a spirited history of this enduring Italian community.