On March 19, 1919, a small group of Italians in Montreal – led by Sam D’Onofrio, founded the first Montreal-based lodge of the Ordine Figli d’Italia. Over the years, the Order grew in membership and added more lodges to its organization. They were instrumental in the building of the Casa d’Italia in Montreal’s Littly Italy, where they are still headquartered today.
Over the years, the lodges dismantled to form one unique group, now celebrating 102 years of existence.
In 2019, Ordine Figli d’Italia celebrated its centennial with an exhibit, and the release of a book and a short documentary film. They also received funding from Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program to erect a monument for the occasion.
The monument was built and erected just outside the Casa d’Italia’s main entrance. For over two years, it remained boarded up, as COVID-19 safety rules did not allow for a formal unveiling ceremony.
Today, finally, a small group of guests gathered at the Casa d’Italia for the official unveiling of the monument.
During his speech, Joe Fratino, long time president of the Ordine Figli d’Italia, explained the strategy behind the moment’s location.
“We have decided to place the plaque outside to make it accessible to the general public for educational purposes and as an inspiration for other Italian-Canadian organizations to follow in the same footsteps ad create their own milestone remembrance,” Fratino told a roomful of guests. The Ordine Figli d’Italia hopes to continue its efforts to bring together Montrealers of Italian origins through a variety of events and activities.
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