What is the Order Sons of Italy in America? ​It is a national organization representing the estimated 26 million proud and patriotic Americans (men and women) of Italian heritage. It is dedicated to promoting the Italian culture, traditions, language, and legacy of our ancestors, as well as Italian contributions to America and the rest of the world. We exemplify the very best of what it is to be Italian American. (excerpted from osia.org) 

The Little Italy Lodge, founded in 1972, is a chapter of the national organization OSIA. With our steady volunteer base and dedicated council members, we work jointly to host a plethora of dinners, trips, community service, dances, bingo and more. As well, our Lodge participates in all things Saint Leo's such as the summer Italian Festivals and sponsoring a float in the annual Columbus Day parade. The membership database lists family names that have existed in Little Italy for generations. 

Current Little Italy Lodge president, Bob Taylor, thinks the loyalty of the Lodge's 400-member base stems from "a desire to belong to something." 

OUR MISSION

  • To support the purposes of national OSIA.
  • To promote enrollment and active participation of persons of Italian birth or descent and others as prescribed in our by-laws.
  • To initiate and promote activities, events and educational programs that preserve Italian culture, heritage and legacy.
  • To serve as a voice of support for Federal, state and local legislation that benefits the membership and the Italian American community, by encouraging active participation in the political, social, and civic life of our communities.
  • To provide Lodge members with a gathering locale to share Italian heritage, customs, culture, and stories;  a sanctuary in which mutual respect, camaraderie and goodwill are fostered and sanctioned; a place in which opportunities for learning, self-growth and pursuit of interests and ideas exchange are actively encouraged and supported.