Purpose of the Amici Ball

Preparing our youth for future success, both scholastically and spiritually, has been the goal of Our Lady of the Rosary Church for over 84 years! Located in San Diego’s Little Italy, OLR is one of this city’s oldest parishes, serving the needs of San Diego’s metropolitan and waterfront population since 1925.
 

History of Our Lady of the Rosary Church -

Consecrated in 1925 the church was the dream of the Italian immigrant community seeking to build a church that would minister to the special needs of the immigrant population from many parts of Italy including fishermen from Genoa. The Italian fishermen pledged a percentage of each catch to build the church. In time, Portuguese fishermen joined their Italian brethren in supporting Our Lady of the Rosary. Soon, the foundation was laid for the church that stands to this day at the corner of State and Date Streets.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church was built in the Romantic-Genovese style and is adorned with murals by renowned Venetian artist Fausto Tasca. Paintings and frescos adorn the ceiling and walls and are in the style of many churches found in villages of the Ligurian Province in Italy. The oil painting masterpieces depicting biblical events that adorn the nave and sanctuary and its stunning stained-glass windows have been acclaimed worldwide and memorialized in pictures commemorating life-changing events for generations of local families.

Today the parish still serves the descendents of many of its founding members and the greater population of growing Little Italy community, metropolitan San Diego, and the waterfront. Regardless of your religious affiliation, a visit to this religious work of art and historical monument is a must!
 

Historical Preservation and Scholarships -

Eighty-plus years is a long time! Since the church and social hall were built the historical integrity of the church building has been maintained through the efforts of its many friends and supporters. As friends of Our Lady of the Rosary Church we have dedicated our efforts to continuing the preservation of this historically significant landmark which has earned a place in San Diego’s historical building registry. Our Lady of the Rosary Church is part of the life-blood of this community. It is no wonder that it is celebrated as “The Jewel of Little Italy”!

The historical preservation of this beautiful landmark is only a part of the ministry of the Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Today’s residential and retail development in the surrounding community of “Little Italy” not only impacted the local economy, it demanded exceptional strides to continue our ministries to the poor, the sick, and the families and the youth of our community.

Keeping pace with the growth of our city by fostering social responsibility for both children and adults isn’t simply a priority – it is our way of life. Encouraging youth to seek higher education opportunities and supporting those students who might not be able to attend colleges or universities is a major focus of funds raised every year by the Amici.

We are proud to say that since 1993 we have contributed $100,000 to support higher education through scholarships and by contributing to diocesan support for secondary education. We are proud to continue the tradition of supporting this inspiring historical landmark and the ministries and pastoral work that changes lives and builds a strong, healthy community in the city we love. We are proud to be part of the family of supporters of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. We are its Amici!