Purpose of the Amici Ball

Scholarships and Youth Ministry Program – Preparing our youth for future success, both scholastically and spiritually, has been the goal of Our Lady of the Rosary Church for over 86 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.

Since 1993, the Amici of Our Lady of the Rosary has donated well over $140,000 to support scholarships for students attending local parochial elementary and secondary schools. Amici scholarships have also been awarded to college and university students enrolled in institutions of higher learning whether private, public or religious.

The OLR Youth Ministry Program was begun in June 2009 inspired by Fr. Joseph Tabigue and sanctioned by our former beloved pastor, Fr. Steven Grancini to guide our teens into a closer and deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The ministry flourished and continues under the guidance of Pastor Tabigue with the assistance of Danielle Hall, Youth Minister.

The youth participate in opportunities to serve the poor, take on leadership roles, meet other teens from around the diocese, have fun and, most importantly, grow closer to each other and to God in the process. To view many of the events and activities of the OLR Youth Ministry and to see the calendar of upcoming events please go to https://sites.google.com/site/olryouthfun/ .
 

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

For 86 years the church on the corner of State and Date Streets in San Diego’s Little Italy has been lovingly maintained and restored by the members of OLR parish. As friends of OLR 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 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!