Amelia Catharina Maestri

In the bustling streets of New Orleans, amidst the vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions, the legacy of Amelia and Natale Maestri continues to shine as a beacon of resilience, faith, and prosperity. Their journey, spanning continents and generations, is a testament to the enduring power of the immigrant experience and the unwavering commitment to family values.

Together, Natale and Amelia embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship and community service, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of New Orleans. From their humble beginnings in the poultry business to the establishment of the esteemed Beauregard Furniture Company, their tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence propelled them to the forefront of the city’s burgeoning economy.

At the heart of their success lay a deep and abiding faith in the Catholic Church, which served as a guiding light in their lives. Their devoutness was not merely a matter of ritual but a source of strength and inspiration, shaping their values and guiding their actions.

The Contribution of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
(1850-1917)

The Contribution of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

• on page 221 makes reference to Mrs Maestri being the “Fairy Godmother” to Greco

• on page 257 the first nuns brought to New Orleans a large Sacred Heart Statue

A devout Catholic, Natale and his wife Amelia were zealous communicants of the Catholic Church.

In Mother Cabrini’s library, Amelia & Natale enable Charles Greco to attend mass and make it through the seminary. He later entered St. Joseph’s Seminary College in Covington in 1907, and was ordained a priest in New Orleans on July 25, 1918. Bishop Charles P. Greco referred to her as his “fairly godmother”.

This statue was at the Cabrini convent with a plaque on the base “Donated by Jenny MaestrI”

Jenny Maestri’s sister was the Cabrini Nun Sister Desolina and later known as Mother Gertrude.

• Jenny & Desolina grandfather Francios Labadini was a “statue maker”, it is possible Francois could have been involved with the commission of this and other statues in the Maestri Dale Family.

As we celebrate their remarkable journey, let us draw inspiration from their example and strive to emulate the enduring legacy of those who dare to chase their dreams across continents and oceans. In the annals of history, the story of Amelia and Natale Maestri will forever stand as a testament to the transformative power of love, faith, and the immigrant experience.