Sunday February 7, 1904, was a brutally cold and windy day. In Baltimore, a single spark ignited a blaze in a warehouse at Redwood & Sharp Streets. The building had engulfed in flames and by noon, the fire had spread to nearby buildings, the wind spurring it on eastward. Fire companies from D.C., Pennsylvania, and New York rushed to join the battle, but the hungry flames devoured every building in their path as downtown Baltimore became an inferno.

Towards evening, it was obvious that Little Italy was in danger. The Italian residents began to flee, taking whatever belongings they could carry. Yet many of them refused to leave their homes and belongings they had worked so hard to acquire. Instead, they gathered on the east bank of the Jones Falls and prayed for God to spare them from the flames. Someone in the crowd cried out, “Saint Anthony, protect us!” and others mimicked the cry. A few men ran to Saint Leo’s Church and returned with the statue of Saint Anthony and a vessel of holy water. The residents made a solemn vow if their homes and beloved church were spared from the fire, they would hold an annual festival in honor of Saint Anthony.

Around 6 a.m. Monday, a strong wind blew the flames in another direction. Efforts to clean up downtown had not even begun when, in gratitude, the people of Saint Leo’s founded the Saint Anthony Society and started the celebration which began with a solemn Mass. Afterwards, the entire neighborhood joined in a procession through the streets of Little Italy in celebration. An annual procession and festival has continued to this day! 

ANNUALLY in JUNE
Feast of Saint Anthony - since 1904!

ANNUALLY in August
Feast of Saint Gabriele - since 1928!