Like a rising tide reaching the shore, wave after wave of European immigrants sought safe harbor in San Diego at the beginning of the 20th Century. Seeking refuge from the hardships of natural disasters and war in their homelands, these immigrants brought their skill and their desire for a new life to a new land. They also brought their Faith. The founding of Our Lady of the Rosary parish is a story of a people’s hope and their determination to establish a home for themselves and for generations to come.
As a community of hard-working men and women took shape, an industry founded on the bounty of the sea and its riches began to flourish.
As the community blossomed in faith, so did it grow in success. Fishing fleets flourished. The quality of life improved. And the community of Little Italy became a example of the success that hard work and dedication can produce.