St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, Boston, MA

St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, Boston: Ash Wednesday Mass

Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. 



Building & History

Wikipedia is the primary source for my information on the church history, like some churches I've visited Saint Leonard Parish dedicates their webpage completely to support the current day activities and community. 

First it is important to note that St. Leonard is considered one of the oldest churches constructed by Italian immigrants in the United States. It was constructed beginning in 1885 in Romanesque style, with the upper church and a friary finalized in 1899. Frescos and craftsmanship shown in the photos were created by Italian parishioners through the church's history. The church is also known for its peace garden and a St. Anthony shrine. The namesake of the church, St. Leonard of Port Maurice, is known for popularizing the Stations of the Cross, featured prominently in Catholic practice.



Saint Michael

The Mass

The Ash Wednesday Mass was very busy, standing room only and I managed to just squeeze into a pew next to a pillar despite arriving several minutes early. This church in Boston's Italian North End seemed to have a young crowd, many people in their 20s-40s I would speculate, which seemed unusual. I can't help but wonder if it is a reflection of a convenient Catholic Mass for Ash Wednesday so close to the financial district, as well as the route home by North Station for anyone working in Cambridge or elsewhere. The Mass did not have music, and a guest priest Fr. Michael who was from nearby Boston College delivered the sermon with the Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 reading which speaks of hypocrites and tells the faithful not to be boastful or show off about ones faith. Fr. Michael mentioned that the common practice of people wearing ash around outside of church isn't necessarily in line with original teachings or Catholic practice, that in the past parishioners would wash rather than exhibit it for the remainder of the day. The point being that the ash is a reminder to the individual of the importance of the practice, and it isn't intended to be something to announce to others. This was very interesting to me and was the first time I had heard this, despite having heard the themes of this sermon in past years.






The Peace Garden still shrouded in winter in early March



Outreach

In an example of the good will of St. Leonard, the offering of the Ash Wednesday was going fully to help feed those in need. Through parish activities as well as other organizing St. Leonard engages in various activities to enrich the North End and beyond. Looking at bulletins one can see various efforts taken by the parish such as raising money for schools. The church makes collections and pledges for the Boston Catholic Appeal which funds youth ministries and addiction recovery services amongst other areas of need.


Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links


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