This picture is at Mount Loretto, which was founded as Catholic orphanage on Staten Island in the late 19th century. It is still operating today, but it is not really an orphanage anymore; it is more of a social service agency. They recently built a CYO on its grounds and it has become a community center, with inside basketball courts and meeting rooms.
The church in the picture is still standing, but the buildings on either side are gone. In the early 1970's the exterior of the church was used in a scene from the famous movie The Godfather. There was a fire at the church shortly after the filming; only the facade was still standing. The church was rebuilt and was in operation again a few years later.
Mount Loretto is located about a mile from the Tottenville Library.
For more information, check out these two websites:
http://mountloretto.org/document/18621
http://www.miv-mountloretto.org/home.html
Comments
lost memories
Submitted by Deborah Adorno Perez on August 31, 2011 at 11:00 PM.
AFTER READING ABOUT MARY STORY OF HOW SISTER HELEN ALMOST THREW HER OUT THE WINDOW THAT'S CRAZY. WELL I WONDER IF I WAS ABUSED WHEN I WAS THERE CAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS I CAN'T REMEMBER. AND THEN I BE HAVING FLASH BACK ABOUT SOME RED SHINY SHOE AND DON'T LIKE IT CAUSE WHAT COME TO MIND IS THAT I WAS FORCED TO WEAR REALLY TIGHTED RED SHOE BUT I DONT KNOW IF THAT WHAT HAPPENED OR IF I JUST IMAGINATING IT..WHEN I WAS THERE I MET JOSE PADILLA WE DATED HE TOOK MY VIRGINTY AND I BECAME PREGNANT BY HIM. HE DENIED HIS CHILD. I ENDED UP PUTTING HIM FOR ADOPTION BUT FOUND HIM LAST YEAR ON FATHER'S DAY JUNE 20 2010 HE WOULD LIKE TO MEET HIS DAD..AFTER JOSE I DATED MART ROBINSON AND HAD 2 KIDS WITH HIM WE ARE NO LONGER TOGETHER BUT WE DO STAY IN TOUCH. NOW JOSE HAD A BROTHER THERE ALSO NAMED LUIS PADILLA. IF ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBER THEM AND KNOWS THERE WHERE ABOUTS AND IF YOU JOSE IS OUT THERE PLEASE GET IN CONTACT WITH ME AT MY EMAIL. dkingofking2001@yahoo.com
I remember you!!!!!
Submitted by David Rodriguez on September 17, 2011 at 10:17 AM.
My Name is David Rodriguez; I was friends with you; Mart; Jessica and we were very close.
So close, that we wouldn't let anyone else in our circle; i lived in St. Antony's on the senior side of the Mount.
I have fond memories of you and Mart..even jessica.
Please e-mail me when you have time ( blacksky30@optonline.net)
Luis Ibarra I didn't know
Submitted by Deborah Adorno Perez on September 1, 2011 at 12:09 PM.
Luis Ibarra I didn't know that your brother Sammy passed sorry to hear that when did he passed and he was young still can I ask what happened?
I'm sorry to hear about your
Submitted by David Rodriguez on September 17, 2011 at 10:24 AM.
I'm sorry to hear about your brother Sammy; I knew him well; I last saw him in 1980, he lived in a building next door to me.
We hung out from time to time, he was a good friend; even when we were at mount Loretto.
Your brother and I would run like a couple of crazy people through the streets of New york back in the 80's; he was still a the strongest guy I knew and no one would mess with him.
David
HI, ANYONE THAT WAS IN M.I.V
Submitted by Deborah Adorno Perez on September 15, 2011 at 5:24 PM.
HI, ANYONE THAT WAS IN M.I.V WHEN I WAS THERE PLEASE CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF THERE REMEMBER JOSE AND LUIS PADILLA I WAS THERE FROM 1974 - 1980. OR HIS SISTER'S NAME...I REALLY NEED TO GET A HOLD OF JOSE..ITS VERY IMPORTANT. IN ADDITION TO THAT DOES ANYONE KNOWS HOW I COULD GET A YEARBOOK FROM WHEN I GRADUATED FROM ST. JOSEPH HIGH (P.S. 25)?
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS ALL OF MIV KIDS...
DEBBIE
Hi Debbie; i can't help with
Submitted by David Rodriguez on September 17, 2011 at 10:30 AM.
Hi Debbie; i can't help with Jose; but I would love to see the picture you took of me and Mart with you and Jessice during the graduation...do you remember, we went to stay in Jessica's room in the bronx.
I was in the Band...its so good to know that your alright; my mom alway thought you were the strong one among our little group.
David
wow davd do u no how long i
Submitted by Deborah Adorno Perez on September 18, 2011 at 10:13 PM.
wow davd do u no how long i been searching for u even mart asked me about you..do u have facebook? cause i am on facebook under deborah perez....and the picture sorry don't have it lost i lot of my old pictures..email me or look me up at fb. r u still in florida?
I was in Mount Loretto: from
Submitted by David Rodriguez on September 17, 2011 at 1:52 PM.
I was in Mount Loretto: from 1974 to 1980; I remember the good times; they finally finished rebuiling the church and we were able to see it return to glory.
One of my councellors was Jerry Conforty; he was alway good to me; the cottage where I lived was St.Anthony's, that house was considered the brotherhood.
Mount Loretto taught me what (Brotherhood) truely meant; I had a great time learning the things I didn't learn at home.
It wasn't until I attended Mount loretto, that I learned how important it was to get a good education; in fact, I didn't like school at all until I went there.
At mount Loretto; the winters was cold and the summers was hot, but I always had joy in my life.
It wasn't always sunshine and rainbows; i saw my share of restriction and other punishments, it was usually for something stupid that I've done; this was part of growing up.
I've read a lot of (Horror stories) in these pages; my heart goes out to those people who had bad expieriances and I hope that God will watch over you always, as for me, some of the things that happened to me there allowed me to grow as a person, both good and bad.
There are so many people who went through mount loretto and if a small percentage of us are doing well, then they have acheived Fr. Drumgooles dream, and that is to help as many people that they can, I am greatful to be one of them.
me too. i've have learn what
Submitted by Deborah Adorno Perez on September 18, 2011 at 10:21 PM.
me too. i've have learn what life is all about..i had good friends there such as david rodriguez, jessica lorenzano, dorothy arwine, and my boyfriend at the time mart robinson, i still stay in touch with mart cause of coarse i had a daughter with him...mount loretto was good to me...
I've reached out to Debbie
Submitted by David Rodriguez on October 5, 2011 at 4:36 PM.
I've reached out to Debbie and Mart; Jessica is still missing in action; it is so good to know that you are all alright.
We have lots of memories to catch up on; I may even have a few pictures of Mount Loretto to share with you all...this is great; 30 years later...the Crew is still in touch; God is Good.
David
I am soooo happy that we
Submitted by debbie on December 9, 2011 at 9:31 PM.
I am soooo happy that we finally found each other again. It is good to find your old but very YOUNG still at heart. I am happy that we are sharing our picutes of the old and new times. I am going to plan a trip to new york so we could all meet my kids you and nancy. I can't wait to meet nancy.
Just Another Alumni
Submitted by Freddy Torres on September 19, 2011 at 2:33 PM.
I was at MIV from 1960 to 1967. I attended St. Aloysius and was an altar boy at the church. My favorite nun was Sister Mary Claire. I spent the first few years in the second cottage then moved up to the fifth cottage before going over to the intermediate side. Although I was frequently bullied, I still thought the experience was far better than the alternative. For those of you on Facebook, you may want to check out this link.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/MountLorettoAlumni/?id=197895976947032&no...
Was at the Mount from 71 to
Submitted by Bernard Maurice porter on September 21, 2011 at 1:13 PM.
Was at the Mount from 71 to 75 I lived in St Francis, My nick name was Fish I do miss my old friends like Herbie colon, Maritza roman, Edna Rodriguez John Carue and Lydia Rodriguez. I also do Miss my Barber shop teacher Mr Lemondola.. Right now im trying to get a copy of my Diploma or a Letter of Credentails can anyone help me in this matter? Well I had a lot of fun there and met so many wonderful people. 1 love always to my Mount Family..
Harry Smith
Submitted by mtloretta on September 22, 2011 at 11:11 AM.
My uncle, Harry Smith, lived at Mt. Loretta and was the driver for the monsignor I believe in the early 1900's. Does anyone know anything about him while living at the Mount?
miv duval/cottage a/ and 10th house
Submitted by Anonymous on September 25, 2011 at 11:05 PM.
I was at the mount from 80-82 were in a few of the house back in the day.I have good and bad memories from there but more good then bad. I remember people who had an impact on my life like E(mac)McMillan/ Rudy T/ mario/ the blackwood brothers and carlton and paul vroom with the white galaxy 500 with the holes in the florr so you saw the ground go by as he drove lol.Counsoler we Called MR T who never got richard Vasquaze name right. and every ones favorite in 10th house keitheese with the teafees with the big banna yellow caddy.names of people I remember Batts/clam/A Hillard/ wolfy/ frank/little victor/ kevin aka life understanding/ richy/jerry/ rock/.more counselors hansan/ kevin conroy/ genola.here is an e-mail to contact me
vulkan5@yahoo.com
I left in 1980; but i
Submitted by David Rodriguez on October 5, 2011 at 4:48 PM.
I left in 1980; but i remember Mr. MacMillan; he used to drive that Lincoln continental; the fire engine red with the white top.
I used to detail his car for him back in the day.
I also remember hanson Weston; Gerry Conforti; peace and love to you; i hope you are doing well now; that place touched many lives.
David.
david perez
Submitted by DAVID PEREZ on May 5, 2012 at 2:28 PM.
hi david. my name is david perez I left in 1981 and I remeber those people. also father eugene mangan.I was a alter boy.Im also in contact with billy costales.my brother gilber perez was also there with us.if u remember us hit us up on facebook or email me at djdavid93@gmail.com.
so do you remember Freddy
Submitted by Anonymous on December 24, 2011 at 11:08 AM.
so do you remember Freddy Martinez>
Its Bezo
Submitted by Anonymous on February 27, 2012 at 7:37 PM.
Its Bezo
my mother
Submitted by Helen Jaime on October 21, 2011 at 8:53 PM.
I am looking for information on my mother who was in Mount ST.Loretta I believe in 1930s her name is Helen Pettit. Does anyone know her?
MY MOTHER
Submitted by Helen Jaime on October 21, 2011 at 9:23 PM.
My Mother was at Mount Loretta in the 30's I am looking for information on her and if anyone remembers her. Her name is Helen Pettit
Karen
Submitted by Anonymous on November 12, 2011 at 2:41 PM.
How do i find out information with the dates and any info when my father was here at Mt Loretto's? I tried looking in the google search,no good info is coming up.If anyone knows any helpful tips for me please let know,Thx
I AM STILL SEARCHING FOR JOSE
Submitted by debbie adorno on December 9, 2011 at 9:37 PM.
I AM STILL SEARCHING FOR JOSE PADILLA HE USE TO BE @ M.I.V LAST I KNEW HE RELOCATED TO PUERTO RICO. SO JOSE IF YOU ARE OUT THERE PLEASE PLEASE GET A HOLD OF ME..ITS VERY INPORTANT THAT YOU DO...THANK YOU. GOD BLESS. DEBBIE
HEY, JOSE PADILLA YOUR
Submitted by debbie adorno on December 16, 2011 at 5:13 PM.
HEY, JOSE PADILLA YOUR BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP ON DEC. 21 I WANT TO WISH YOU A BLESSED BIRTHDAY STAY SAFE GOD BLESS DEBBIE ADODRNO
HEY , JOSE PADILLA YOUR
Submitted by debbie adorno on December 16, 2011 at 5:15 PM.
HEY , JOSE PADILLA YOUR BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP ON DEC. 21 I STILL REMEMBER. I WANT TO WISH YOU A BLESSED AND HEALTHY BIRTHDAY. GOD BLESS. DEBBIE ADORNO
SEARCHING FOR MY PARENTS
Submitted by Mario Vidal on January 9, 2012 at 11:26 PM.
Michael Vidal and I had lived at Mount Loretta late 60's to 1977; both of us stayed at 10th Cottage. I am in the process of searching records on my parets, Michael and me but need help from Mount Loretta on how we got there?
Question about my Mother
Submitted by Shaniqua Cocks on January 16, 2012 at 12:59 AM.
I have a question. My birth mother was a resident there. Her name was Mona Lisa Smalls. Short, dark colored, lots of black hair and pretty. She was 15 and pregnant in 1981 and gave birth to me in 1982 in Manhattan, NY. I have 3 kids now and I am 30 yrs of age. I had an open adoption. I met Mona when I was young till the age of 4 or 5. But I was a kid then so I hardly remember details that long ago. I know that I was adopted after the last visit. I used to visit her there till I was adopted. I need to know about her past. My son is sick and it is important I find her because I have medically related questions and his life depends on it.
Mona Lisa Smalls
Submitted by Bob Wurtzel on April 22, 2013 at 2:09 PM.
Shaniqua
Have you ever found your mother. I work at Eastern CF and I believe that I know your brother (formerly Leroy Smalls) now known as Roy Burvick. He's looking for your(his) mom as well. I checked peoplefinders.com and located a Mona Lisa Smalls in Charleston, SC. Roy's sister is conducting a search as well. You may call Roy's adoptive mother , Ms Burvick, at 718 443 4325. Also, you may reach me at 347-996-4927
Thanks
Bob Wurtzel
Looking for my cousins
Submitted by Anonymous on January 19, 2012 at 6:17 AM.
My cousins were put into an orphanage on Staten Island. There were 12 children in all, 4 boys and 8 girls. The last name was Roller. This was probably sometime in the 1950's. They were Charlie, Bobby, Freddy, Jimmy, Mary, Linda, Anita, Lorraine, Loretta, Carol, Janet and Delores. I'm not sure how many of them were placed there. If anyone remembers them, please leave a reply. Does anyone know what other orphanages were in existence on Staten Island in the 50's? Thanks so much for your help!
Eugene Molloy
Submitted by Brian P. Molloy on January 21, 2012 at 9:25 AM.
My great-uncle's son, Eugene Molloy, appears to have been at the orphanage in 1910 (according to the census, where his surname is spelled Maloy). I would love to be able to have access to his records. Does anyone know how I could obtain access? He was about 13 at the time. He has been very elusive. He served during WWI in 1917/18. Thank you!
REQUESTING PICTURES OF US AND ANY INFORMATION OF OUR PARENTS
Submitted by Mario Vidal on January 30, 2012 at 12:56 AM.
Michael and Mario Vidal was placed by the state of NY about 1968 to 1977 in Mount Loretto. We are trying to get any pictures of us; and any information of our parents. Can anyone help us?
family tree info
Submitted by Anonymous on March 12, 2012 at 10:28 PM.
Hello does anyone remember Lillian Guzman, Agatha Guzman, raymond Guzman, manny Guzman, and Albert Guzman? all went to Mount Lorreto. I am doing a family tree and would like to know if anyone may have pictures of them. 1949- 1955 should be around the time they stayed there. tashtash97@yahoo.com is where anyone with knowledge of them may contact me.
Hello does anyone remember
Submitted by Anonymous on March 12, 2012 at 10:33 PM.
Hello does anyone remember Lillian Guzman, Agatha Guzman, raymond Guzman, manny Guzman, and Albert Guzman? all went to Mount Lorreto. I am doing a family tree and would like to know if anyone may have pictures of them. 1949- 1955 should be around the time they stayed there. tashtash97@yahoo.com is where anyone with knowledge of them may contact me.
guzman family
Submitted by debbie on April 20, 2012 at 11:53 PM.
Hi, I have a brother who is a Guzman but he don't know any of his family. He's father's name is/was Luis Enrique Guzman. from Puerto Rico. He was also in Mount Loretto back in 1974 - 1976.
guzman family
Submitted by debbie on April 20, 2012 at 11:53 PM.
Hi, I have a brother who is a Guzman but he don't know any of his family. He's father's name is/was Luis Enrique Guzman. from Puerto Rico. He was also in Mount Loretto back in 1974 - 1976.
mount loretto
Submitted by DAVID PEREZ on May 5, 2012 at 2:36 PM.
hello my name is david perez and im trying to contact people that were at the mount with me and my brother gilbert perez so far im in contact with billy costales.if anyone was there from 1972 to 1981, 1982 please contact us at david perez facebook or at djdavid93@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.
Hi, my name is Debbie I was
Submitted by debbie on May 11, 2012 at 7:19 PM.
Hi, my name is Debbie I was in the mount from 74 - 80 The name Gilbert Perez sounds familiar. I was looking up your name on fb but there too many of them. So if you like you could email me back if you like and this way we could see if we even remember each other. and if we don't we r still mount loretto family.
records
Submitted by tmims on May 8, 2012 at 1:46 AM.
My Mom & uncle were sent to the orphange my mom was born in 1925 don't know what age she was sent. she was able to leave when she was 12 or 13. her name is Elvira Giacobone and her brother is Anthony F Giacobone. any 411 would help thanks! oh, my Mom said they were very nice to her but she said my uncle hated it...
Elvira or Anthony Giacobone
Submitted by tmims on May 8, 2012 at 1:53 AM.
My Mom & uncle were at Mount Loretto. my mom was born in 1925 not sure when she was sent. she said she got out when she was 12 or 13 not sure. looking for records or pictures. oh she said they were very nice to her but her brother didn't like it. Thanks
Mt Loretto - 1907
Submitted by Diedra Walsh on May 20, 2012 at 4:33 PM.
Hello- I'm trying to find my father's long lost family. My Grandfather and his sister were "half orphans" and spent time at Mt Loretto. He left there around 1907, at the age of 12 --so he could work to support his sister and bring her home, too. We don't know anything about his family, we only have Grandpa's birth certificate. My father never met any extended family and we don't know my grandfather's sister's name. I don't suppose anyone is looking for relatives of Charles Michael Walsh? It's encouraging to see that records are available, and I just e-mailed the assistant director but I'm not sure if there are records from so long ago!
From the information about Mt Loretto on the internet, it must have been an amazing place!
records from the 20s
Submitted by Anonymous on July 18, 2012 at 8:56 AM.
My husbands grandfather's name was james reilly. I believe him and his brothers bernard and joseph were here in the 20s for a while. Can you tell me the address of who I need to contact to try to get records. Thank you.
Mount Loretta
Submitted by Deanna on August 8, 2012 at 12:15 PM.
My dad and his four brothers were in Mount Loretta around 1950. Can anyone tell me how I can get his records from Mount Loretta.
haunted?
Submitted by Anonymous on September 19, 2012 at 11:21 AM.
My mother told me about Mt.Lorretto when she was a child
. That passing it ,it was scary.Has anyone who lived there had paranormal activity?
hunted
Submitted by debbie on September 29, 2012 at 9:42 PM.
NO I NEVER DID. BUT I HAVE A QUESTION? WHEN WAS YOUR MOTHER THERE AND WHAT IS HER NAME. I JUST WANT TO SEE IF MAYBE I MIGHT KNOW HER. THANK YOU
Charles Snyder
Submitted by Snyder on September 29, 2012 at 11:15 PM.
I'm looking for any information about Charles Snyder who was at Mission of the Immaculate Virgin from 1925 to around 1942, when he joined the army.
Does anyone have any info about him or his life after he left the orphanage?
Crossing my fingers... Thanks!
Mom lived there from 1946-47 to 1955
Submitted by Vincent Savage on November 14, 2012 at 1:50 AM.
The nuns broke my mom's hip because she ran away with her sister like most 13 & 10 year olds would have tried to do.
Mt Loretto leaves no good memories for our family!
Mom lived her most of her life in pain because of the nuns harsh treatments!
Anyone had a family member there during this time? Mom's name was Anne Marie O'brien. Her brothers Tom and kevin also went to Mt Loretto. Kevin died in Vietnam on January 9th 1969 several years after leaving the MT.
Doug Striffolino at MIV 71 to 76
Submitted by Doug Striffolino on December 3, 2012 at 12:43 AM.
I was in 4th and 5th cottages; does anyone recall my name. had some great teenage friendships there but cannot recall many names. Names that come to mind now are, Michael and Michelle Black; Tito Colon, beleive he had a brother Herbie Colon, Freddie Pendagrass, Izzy, Larry Waldorf and his younger brother. Doug Striffolino
to doug.
Submitted by DEBBIE on January 12, 2013 at 1:31 AM.
I USED TO BE IN MOUNT LORETTO WITH MY SISTER DORCAS, BROTHERS, IZZY AND LUIS GUZMAN. DO YOU REMEMEBER EVELYN LOPEZ, MARIA REYES, LILLIAN PANIAGUA, REGINA ALEXANDER, LISA WILLIAM AND FONTIAN WILLIAM I COULD KEEP GOING WITH NAME THAT NAME HERBIE SOUND FAMILIAR.
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