The first Italian national parish in the United States, St. Mary Magdalen was formed in 1852 by Bishop John Neumann to meet the spiritual needs of Philadelphia's Italian immigrant community within the Irish-dominated archdiocese. <br /><br />Next door to the church is the Mario Lanza Institute and Museum, established in 1962 and housed in the church's former rectory at 712 Montrose Street, since 2002. Legend has it that Mario Lanza, known then as Freddy Cocozza, sang the Ave Maria at his old parish. The church holds a memorial mass in Lanza's honor every year.

The first Italian national parish in the United States, St. Mary Magdalen was formed in 1852 by Bishop John Neumann to meet the spiritual needs of Philadelphia's Italian immigrant community within the Irish-dominated archdiocese.

Next door to the church is the Mario Lanza Institute and Museum, established in 1962 and housed in the church's former rectory at 712 Montrose Street, since 2002. Legend has it that Mario Lanza, known then as Freddy Cocozza, sang the Ave Maria at his old parish. The church holds a memorial mass in Lanza's honor every year.