Sister Desolina Maestri

In the late 19th century, New Orleans was a bustling hub of immigration and cultural diversity. However, tensions simmered beneath the surface, exacerbated by economic strife and political corruption. Enter Chief of Police David Hennessy, a controversial figure whose tenure was marked by allegations of corruption and collusion with organized crime.

In the midst of this turmoil, there was a beacon of hope. Father Giacomo Gambera reached out to New York for the aid of Mother Cabrini’s missionaries. Three brave sisters, led by Sister Desolina Maestri, journeyed to New Orleans. Their mission was to assist Father Gambera, seek justice, and provide support to those in need – in particular the Italian immigrants.

But the story doesn’t end there. A month later, the indomitable Mother Cabrini herself arrived, accompanied by four more sisters. Together, they stood as a symbol of solidarity and compassion in a city gripped by fear and prejudice.

Before they arrived on October 15, 1890, Chief Hennessy was ambushed and fatally wounded on the streets of New Orleans. His assassination sent shockwaves through the city, triggering a feverish hunt for the perpetrators. In the aftermath, suspicion fell heavily on the Italian immigrant community, particularly those with alleged ties to the Mafia.

The subsequent trial was fraught with prejudice and sensationalism, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment and sensationalized media coverage. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, eleven Italian immigrants were arrested and charged with Chief Hennessy’s murder.

Then, on March 14, 1891, the city was rocked by a harrowing display of mob violence. In what would become the largest mass lynching in United States history, a frenzied mob stormed the jail where the accused men were held, dragging them into the streets and mercilessly executing them.

This brutal act of vigilante justice sent shockwaves far beyond the borders of New Orleans, casting a dark shadow over the principles of justice and equality. It underscored the deep-seated prejudices and systemic injustices that plagued American society during this tumultuous period.

Now, let’s rewind a bit. Back in 1880, Natale and Amelia Maestri (Sister Desolina aunt) were living their lives at 225 Dumaine St, New Orleans. Sister Desolina, Father Ferdinand Maestri, her mother Marie Labadini Maestri, her sisters Jenny and Amelia and brothers Ferdinand, Lazard and others are living on North Robertson Street since 1882.

Fast forward to 1892, and Mother Cabrini’s legacy continues. She opened the first New Orleans orphanage on St. Phillip Street in the French Quarter. It was a beacon of hope for countless children, a testament to the resilience and determination of those who refused to let tragedy define their future.