It's Never too Late

At 7pm, on April 17,1913, the steamship S.S.Ancana left Palermo bound for New York City. On board were over 2,000 Italians immigrants including Frank Alesci, the author of our featured book.

The S.S. Ancona was considered an immigrant steamship, designed and commissioned by an Italian company who had a fleet of three ships. These three ships were commissioned to ferry immigrants between Italy and America. They had the capacity to hold 59 first class passengers and 2500 3rd class passengers in steerage.

The voyage took approx. 6 weeks and represented the first step in a mass exodus of Italians in which 4 million people emigrated to America between 1880 and 1920. Frank Alesci's story is known by immigrants who are trying to escape poverty for the promise of an opportunity and a new beginning. It is the story of a struggle for a new beginning in a new world.

Frank Alesci's story chronicles the struggles, the successes, and the failures, as our primary character strives to keep the promise of “creating a home for poor abandoned old people”. While it may have taken 48 years to achieve his goal, he demonstrated what he believed, “It is never too late to conquer adversity”. This exercise is being conducted as a book study by residents who make the Villa Serena their home and add insight as only a witness can.

The Villa Serena itself is a 230-room low rent housing complex located on five acres in the very active Mayfield Heights. It is an incredible legacy for all those who have participated with the Saint Frances Foundation, including all that have made this dream a reality. We invite you to participate in this blog as we explore immigration ant discover why it’s never too late.