St. Leo the Great Catholic Church In Maryland Is As Extraordinary As The Man Himself
When you think of places with incredible Catholic history, which come to mind?
For me, it is Italy - can you guess why?
While a trip to Italy may not be the most practical at this time, there is an alternative: Little Italy in Baltimore, Maryland, and the stunning St. Leo the Great Catholic Church!
Speaking of St. Leo the Great, did you know his Feast Day is November 10th?
St. Leo the Great, also known as Pope Leo I, was born around 400 in Tuscany, Italy, and became pope in 440 AD, serving until he died in 461. He is best known for his role in defining Church doctrine, particularly at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, where his "Tome of Leo" helped affirm the doctrine of Christ's two natures—fully divine and fully human.
In 452, he famously met Attila the Hun and persuaded him to turn back from invading Italy, showcasing his influence beyond the Church. His writings, which include numerous letters and sermons, contributed significantly to Church teachings.
Are you ready to celebrate? Let's head out to Little Italy:
Established in 1881, St. Leo the Great Catholic Church is billed as the "Anchor of the Neighborhood," as the building is said to have provided a physical and emotional anchor for the new Italian immigrants.
Today, St. Leo’s is as much of a treasure as ever, with the part Italianate, part Romanesque building still serving as a staple of the community.
Whether you are a parishioner of St. Leo the Greats or visiting for a pilgrimage, you will be greeted with friendly folks and exquisite architectural features like the square bell tower, decorative brickwork, and a large rose window.
In addition to the distinct architecture, St. Leo's is home to a 450-pound bronze statue of its namesake, located in the niche over the Church's entrance.
The statue isn't the only nod to St. Leo the Great - there is even a giant mural inside the Church called "St. Leo in Glory."
Depending on when you visit, you may be able to partake in one of St. Leo's famous events, including their Italian festival, ravioli dinners, and/or Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Mass at St. Leo's takes place Monday to Friday at 8 a.m., Saturday at 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
To learn more about St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, please visit their website.