It was founded in 1946 as a school for immigrant boys by the Salesians of Don Bosco, a religious order of priests and brothers.

[1][2] The new school was founded in almost a perfect location and time period: it served large numbers of the underprivileged children of mostly Roman Catholic Italian immigrants, offering both a trade and religious education.

[1][2] The school, in partnership with the Salesian province leadership, proceeded to search for a property in Boston fulfilling the necessary requirements.

The school leadership looked in a few locations, including Jamaica Plain and the South End.

Initially (January 1954) a site on Rockwood St in Jamaica Plain was chosen; however, in August 1954 this plan was abandoned in favor of the former Brandeis High School on Tremont Street, South End.

[6] On March 15, 1989, 10,800 spectators packed the old Boston Garden to watch the MIAA Division I State Hockey Championship game against the highly successful & perennial powerhouse Catholic Memorial.

[6][10] The building was renovated and turned into a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, while the gymnasium and pool now serves as the Wang YMCA.