The National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor has been a place of pilgrimage, worship, and prayer in New Orleans since 1727. Our Lady of Prompt Succor is located in Ursuline Academy and is the Patroness of the city of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. Our Lady of Prompt Succor responds to prayers for deliverance from war, pestilence, fire, disease, storms, despair, and hopelessness.
St. Mary's Assumption Church was built in 1858 to serve the spiritual needs of the growing German immigrant population of the 1840's. The stunning Baroque style architecture makes this church a focal point of New Orleans. This unique architecture allowed St. Mary's Assumption to claim a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. St. Mary's Assumption also houses the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Seelos, the Seelos Welcome Center, and the Seelos Museum.
St. Patrick's Church is one of the earliest, largest, finest examples of Gothic Revival style architecture in the city and country. The parish, the second oldest in New Orleans behind St. Louis Parish, was founded in 1833. St. Patrick's was designed in 1837 and built in 1840, and remains in use to this day. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
Constructed four years before the Civil War, Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church is one of the most elegant of New Orleans' historic churches and is just steps from the intersection of Baronne and Canal Streets. The church's original building was completed in 1857 and later suffered severe structural damage the early 20th century. Immaculate Conception was then rebuilt and dedicated in 1930. The interior is replete with art and decoration in Moorish Revival style, as is the building's grand façade.
St. Louis Cathedral is among the oldest churches in the United States and one of New Orleans' most notable landmarks. Its prominent facade overlooks Jackson Square and has stood at the heart of old New Orleans since its opening in 1727. St. Louis Cathedral has played host to some of histories most prominent figures as well as having been a sight of several tragedies.
St. Joseph Catholic Church of New Orleans, Louisiana officially opened for parochial service on January 1, 1893. St. Joseph Parish was established in February, 1844. St. Joseph was originally located at the site of the present-day Tulane Medical Center. St. Joseph was placed under the patronage of St. Katherine, and renamed St. Katherine's Church. St. Katherine's became a worship center for African American Catholics throughout New Orleans. It was the first ever church to be dedicated to serving the African American and multi-racial citizens of New Orleans. St. Katherine's was demolished in 1964. The current St. Joseph's Catholic Church stands on Tulane Avenue. It seats between 1,800 to 2,000 people and has the longest main aisle in New Orleans.
St. Pius Catholic Church was established in 1950 and was originally created from three separate parishes. Donated community funds helped finance the building of the first church and the current school. St. Pius Catholic Church also houses an adoration chapel dedicated to Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. St. Pius X is also home to the St. Pius X Catholic School. St. Pius X Catholic School was created in 1963 under the direction of the Sisters of St. Josephine.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Kenner, Louisiana was established in 1869. Our Lady is the oldest Parish church on the east bank of Jefferson Parish. The church was ultimately made up of three parishes. Our Lady of Perpetual Help has traditions resulting from the immigration of Sicilian and Italian families during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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During the 1840’s through the 1850’s New Orleans saw a wave of German and Irish immigrants come into the city. New churches were built to accommodate the growing population. Along with churches to help serve German and Irish Catholics, churches were also being built to help serve the African American communities in New Orleans as well. The traditions of these churches still permeate our culture today.
