North End Historic Church: Is It Just For Tourists?

Often, city dwellers walk by historic sites in their neighborhood every day but don't either have -- or take -- the time to thoroughly enjoy them.

On any given day in the North End, crowds of tourists walk through the Peace Garden in front of St. Leonard Roman Catholic Church on Hanover Street. They view the inside of this church run by Franciscan friars and pay their respects in the chapel.

Visitors to this neighborhood snap photos of the flowers, statues and marvel at the fact that this is the oldest known Roman Catholic Church in New England. It was built by Italian immigrants and founded in 1873.

But what about the residents of this community? Do you have a connection to this North End church?

Let us know if you were baptized, confirmed or married at St. Leonard Roman Catholic Church. And have you ever sat in the Peace Garden for a moment's reflection and respite from the busy pace of life most of us lead?