In addition to its own historic significance, the St. Louis Cathedral is particularly notable because it is the oldest operating Catholic church in America, in the only state in which Catholicism is the dominant religious denomination.The French Engineer, Adrien de Pauger, designated the site for a church in 1721. The new church was possibly the first building to be rendered in the "brick between posts" architectural style. It was dedicated to the sainted King Louis IX. Unfortunately, de Pauger was unable to see the church's completion as he died in 1726. The following year, the church opened its doors to the public, with citizens of every social status attending its ceremonies within the church.In 1788, the church and priest's residence burned to the ground. In 1794, the new church, donated by the wealthy Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, open its doors. In 1819, a clock and bell were installed in the central tower of the cathedral, purchased by the City Council. Today this bell continues to ring the hours of the day.Unfortunately, during construction to expand the cathedral in 1850, the central tower collapsed and only the bell could be saved from the original Spanish architecture. The building was renovated and most of the present structure was built at that time. Like many other historic buildings in New Orleans, the cathedral is rumored to be haunted. In this instance, the claim is that Pere Antoine inhabits the building. Pere Antoine is best known for caring for the poor of the city and baptizing the Voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

View of the facade of Saint Louis Cathedral from across Jackson Square. 

Rendering of the first version of the church, reprinted in "New Orleans as it was. Episodes of Louisiana life" by L. Graham & son, ltd., printers in New Orleans (1794; published 1895). 

Rendering of the facade, from "Gibson's Guide and Directory of the State of Louisiana"(1838). 

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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. Louis Cathedral

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. 

The Ursuline Sisters arrived from France in 1727 and the devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor began to spread throughout the students, men, women, and children of New Orleans. It was believed that through her intercession and response to prayers she could provide deliverance from war, pestilence, and storms. The Ursuline Sisters opened and ran what is now the oldest school for girls in the United States, the Ursuline Academy. 	In 1803 several nuns from Ursuline’s Convent and left the congregation with only seven nuns. Their departure threatened the stability of the church so Mother ST. Andre Madier asked for help from her cousin Mother St. Michel Gensoul. Mother St. Michel was a member of the Ursuline Chapter in France and was forced to leave her monastery, Pont-Saint-Espirt, because of the Reign of Terror. Mother St. Michel’s request to leave France for New Orleans was denied by Bishop Fournier who told her that only the Pope or Napoleon could grant her the permission she desired. One day she prayed before a statue of the Blessed Virgin that, “O most holy Virgin Mary, if you obtain a prompt and favorable answer to my letter, I promise to have you honored in New Orleans under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.” Soon after Mother St. Michel was headed to New Orleans. She arrived in 1810 along with a statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.	In 1815 as the devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor grew throughout New Orleans, the gratitude for her intercessions only increased when she was credited for the miracle of the victory of General Andrew Jackson over the British in the Battle of New Orleans. The Ursulines and Bishop Louis Du Bourg promised to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving each year of the feast day of Our Lady of Prompt Succor on January 8. In 2015 the promise was observed for the 200th time. The statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor that was gilded in gold, was crowned by Decree of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII in 1895. In 1928 the Holy See approved and confirmed the naming of Our Lady of Prompt Succor as the principal Patroness of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. The statue now stands over the main altar on State Street.

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. 

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor

New Orleans, Louisiana saw a large wave of German, Irish, and French-Speaking immigrants in the 1840’s. In 1842, Bishop Antoine Blanc considered the arrival of German-speaking Redemptorist Father Peter Czackert to be heaven sent. Bishop Blanc requested that Father Czackert stay and minister congregation and he agreed. Worship began at Kaiser Hall, which was a dance hall that was converted into a chapel every Sunday morning. Soon after, plans to make a temporary church were made. Right before construction on the church was about to take place, Father Czackert was called away. The building of the foundation of the new church was left in the hands of Father Joseph Kundek. The construction of the frame began on Josephine Street. The church was named St. Mary’s Assumption. The original church was replaced by the current church building in 1860. 	A main feature of St. Mary’s Assumption is the National Shrine to Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. Blessed Francis Seelos was a German-born priest who came to New Orleans to help render aid during the yellow fever epidemic in 1866. After his death in 1867 due to yellow fever, he was honored with a shrine at St. Mary’s Assumption. Located behind the High Altar there is also the Seelos Museum. The Seelos welcome center is located next to the church. St. Mary’s Assumption Church was recognized as a historical landmark in 1974 due to its beautiful German Baroque Revival architecture.

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. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church

In the early 19th century the city was a melting pot of different nationalities, and was experiencing a surge of population growth and was extending into new land towards Canal Street. A new parish was established in 1833 - the first outside of the city -&nbsp;by the Irish Catholics of New Orleans, who sought to have a city comparable with those found in France, such as St. Louis Cathedral,&nbsp;built in their city, and who were eager to differentiate themselves from the largely French-speaking congregation of the&nbsp;Cathedral on Jackson Square.&nbsp;In 1837&nbsp;Charles B. and James H. Dakin produced the first plans for the church, and were subsequently commissioned to oversee its construction the following year. However, in 1839 a disagreement over the structural integrity of the foundations&nbsp;caused them to leave the project, and architect&nbsp;James Gallier oversaw the construction until its completion in 1841. The first services began in 1840.&nbsp; The building is composed of brick, covered in plaster that was once painted to imitate dressed stone (this was later replaced by the&nbsp;white rough-cast weatherproofing
cement seen today). It has a 190 ft high bell tower, that has survived numerous hurricanes, lightning strikes, and periods of inadequate upkeep - though substantial repairs were required following&nbsp;Hurricane Betsy in 1965.&nbsp;Near the church can be found an Italianate rectory built by plantation architect Henry Howard in 1874. The interior design was largely influenced by&nbsp;James Gallier directions. Visitors can admire the plaster fan vaulting, cypress pews,&nbsp;and the magnificent stained glass ceiling skylights&nbsp;of the sanctuary, which dramatically illuminate the altar during the day. Beneath this sanctuary are the interred remains of Irish-born&nbsp;Father James I. Mullon, who was the second pastor of St. Patrick's and a&nbsp;who fought for the&nbsp;U.S. Navy during the War of 1812.&nbsp;Of exceptional note is are the three oil paintings found in the sanctuary. Painted by the young&nbsp;New Orleanian artist,&nbsp;Leon
Pomarede, in 1840, they depict St. Patrick baptizing the princesses of Ireland and the&nbsp;Transfiguration. Pomarede also painted a series of murals on the church organ, which was itself salvaged from an organ built by the renowned French organ maker,&nbsp;Aristide Cavaille-Coll, who made the instruments for Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris.

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.  

St. Patrick's Church

Immaculate Conception Church, also known as the Jesuit Church, was originally designed by Father John Cambiaso in the 1850s. The building serves as a reminder of New Orleans' French and Catholic history, which dates back to the earliest days of European settlement. Father Cambiaso, a native of Lyons, France, utilized a plot of land that was part of the Jesuit Order's original parcel deeded in the 18th century. Having spent time in Spain, Father Cambiasco was enamored with the Moorish architecture. The Moorish design prevalent in Spain provided inspiration for his designs.  The site of the new church bore soft soil and swampy portions, so in addition to draining the property, Father Cambiaso tried to modified his plans to accommodate the less-than-ideal terrain for such a monumental building. Unfortunately, his efforts were inadequate, a point revealed in the 1920s. When the church was originally constructed, it was flanked by an auxiliary and much simpler building to serve as a residence and school (this is the structure to the right of the church in the 1873 illustration below). This secondary annex was sold in 1920 and demolished to make way for what would become known as the Père Marquette Building. The disruption of this construction caused significant damage to the church's foundation such that the entire structure had to be rebuilt.Painstakingly disassembled and then reassembled beginning in 1929, Immaculate Conception Church was re-dedicated on March 2, 1930. Among the numerous splendid interior features, one can highlight the magnificent altarpiece, designed by New Orleans native Jame Ferret and hand-crafted in Lyons, France, in 1867. It also originally housed the 1884 Louisiana Cotton Exposition Organ, although this has since been replaced by a more modern instrument.The 1884 Cotton Exposition is no sidenote in history, however. Alongside French Catholicism, New Orleans enjoyed a large creole population and influence, where Native Americans, Africans, Caribbeans (mostly of African heritage), and Europeans congregated in a city that stood as an epicenter of cotton exchange. Hundreds of years of Atlantic Word activity that included the forced transportation of several million Africans coincided with the development of the sugar trade, cotton trade, and other labor-intensive farming industries in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to the humor horror stories, political stresses, and economic history, a rich cultural history emerged. The church's original organ that was used in the 1884 Cotton Exposition serves as a reminder of New Orleans history that's tied to slavery, cotton, and one large facet of the human element tied to the Columbian Exchange.

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.

Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church 

In addition to its own historic significance, the St. Louis Cathedral is particularly notable because it is the oldest operating Catholic church in America, in the only state in which Catholicism is the dominant religious denomination. The French Engineer, Adrien de Pauger, designated the site for a church in 1721. The new church was possibly the first building to be rendered in the "brick between posts" architectural style. It was dedicated to the sainted King Louis IX. Unfortunately, de Pauger was unable to see the church's completion as he died in 1726. The following year, the church opened its doors to the public, with citizens of every social status attending its ceremonies within the church. In 1788, the church and priest's residence burned to the ground. In 1794, the new church, donated by the wealthy Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, open its doors. In 1819, a clock and bell were installed in the central tower of the cathedral, purchased by the City Council. Today this bell continues to ring the hours of the day. Unfortunately, during construction to expand the cathedral in 1850, the central tower collapsed and only the bell could be saved from the original Spanish architecture. The building was renovated and most of the present structure was built at that time.  Like many other historic buildings in New Orleans, the cathedral is rumored to be haunted. In this instance, the claim is that Pere Antoine inhabits the building. Pere Antoine is best known for caring for the poor of the city and baptizing the Voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

St. Joseph Catholic Parish was established in February, 1844. The original church style included medium-sized Gothic architecture with a tall front steeple. Its previous location was at the site of the present-day Tulane Medical Center. The building was constructed in 1846 to serve a growing Irish population. After the construction of the new church, the original church was renovated in 1895 and placed under the patronage of St. Katherine. The new St. Katherine’s became a center for African American worship in New Orleans. The original St. Joseph church, later called St. Katherine's was demolished in 1964 due to damage from Hurricane Betsy. In 1858, St. Joseph Parish was entrusted to the priests of the Congregation of the Mission which were Vincentians or Lazarists. In 1859 Father Hayden built a boy’s school which was under the direction of the Christian Brothers. In 1864, a school for girls was constructed under the direction of the Daughters of Charity. The plot of land that the church currently sits on was purchased in 1866. Construction of St. Joseph Catholic Church lasted several years. On May 5, 1869 at 3:00 p.m. the ground breaking ceremony took place. The laying of the cornerstone of the foundation took place on Sunday October 8, 1871 at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Father Thomas Smith of the Congregation of the Mission presided over the event. Construction officially began in 1869. Defects in the construction of the foundation caused the roof placement to be delayed until 1877. The architect of the church was P.C Keely from Brooklyn. The builder was D.M. Foley Jr. The original plans for the church included spires on the front towers. A historical note about the construction of the church is that the contract for the building of the church was originally given to Thomas O’Neil. O’Neil sculpted the faces on the bases of the pillars and the church porch. St. Joseph Catholic Church was dedicated on December 18,1892. An estimated 3,000 people attended the dedicated and Reverend Francis Nugent preached during the occasion. The first Mass in the new St. Joseph church was on Christmas Day in 1892. The parochial service was held on January 1, 1893 by Reverend J.W. Hickey as pastor. Money for the construction and decoration were obtained by donations by local citizens, parishioners, and benefactors in other states.

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. Joseph Catholic Church

St. Pius X Catholic Church was established between the years of 1950 and 1953 under the guidance of Most Reverend Abel Caillouet, Axillary Bishop of New Orleans and Pastor of the Holy Rosary Parish. Sunday Masses of the Holy Rosary Parish were celebrated at the Lake Vista Community Center. Two other Parishes, St. Dominic of the Lake Shore area and St. Frances Cabrini of the Lake Terrace area were added to Lake Vista to create Blessed Pius X. The Parish was originally named after the Blesses Pius X and was officially changed to St. Pius the X after his canonization in May of 1954. 	Through donated community funds the first Church-Rectory-School was built in 1953 and dedicated on August 16th. The first pastor of St. Pius X was Father Michael Killoughey. The Sisters of St. Josephine placed in charge of the school. In 1955 a separate parish rectory was complete and a new school, classroom, and cafeteria were added in 1957. Father Michael Killoughey was succeeded by Monsignor Arthur T. Screen in 1963. The permanent church was designed in 1963 and had several architectural aspects that set it apart from other churches. The striking roof construction and 75ft. high ceilings were one focal point. The inside of the church also featured in the round-style seating, making the altar visible from every angle. The seating capacity of the new church was 800 people and they would all be within 60ft. of the altar. The new church was dedicated in 1966 by the Archbishop of New Orleans Phillip M. Hannan. 	As the enrollment of parishioners increased over the years, new programs and additional space were needed. In the fall of 1983, A new rectory, parish administration, school administration, and multipurpose buildings were dedicated. Also included was a library, computer lab, art room, science lab, and two meeting rooms for large gatherings. The new rectory provided administration office space and living facilities. 	In the summer of 1991, Monsignor Clinton J. Doskey was appointed pastor of St. Pius. Monsignor Doskey continued Father Screen’s dream of building a gymnasium on the school’s campus. The Father A.T Screen Gymnasium was dedicated in 1997. Renovations were done to convert the existing facilities into new space for the school. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina landed in New Orleans. Miraculously, St. Pius Church and School did not experience any flooding. However, the copper roof of the church was peeled away due to the force of the winds. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, St. Pius X served as a hub for first responders. The Massachusetts National Guard used the gym, cafeteria, courtyard, and volleyball courts for several months. Following the departure of the Massachusetts National Guard, the NOFD and several fire engine companies from around the United States were stationed at St. Pius X. 	St. Pius X Catholic School reopened in January of the following year. That semester students, parents, and teachers were required to undergo accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. St. Pius X Catholic School received accreditation in 1006. In 2007, they were awarded the No Child Left Behind National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. 	In March of 2007, the Church closed after Easter celebrations for repairs. They reopened again in time for Christmas Eve Mass. During the time that the church was closed, services were held in the School cafeteria. The Most Reverend Phillip M. Hannan, Eleventh Archbishop of New Orleans returned to dedicate and bless the church, just as he did for the original dedication in 1966. Monsignor Doskey served twenty years as pastor. His leadership saw an increase in parish ministries and the creation of the first adoration chapel dedicated to Blessed Francis Seelos. 	Very Reverend Patrick J. Williams was appointed to pastor of St. Pius X in 2009, succeeding Monsignor Doskey. Very Rev. Williams still serves the church today. A new school building was erected in 2019 through parishioner donations. The school has new science, art, music, and resource classrooms, as well as administration areas.

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. 

St. Pius X Catholic Church and School

Our Lady of Perpetual Help was established in 1869 in Rivertown in Kenner, Louisiana. The church’s roots link back to 1848 to the farming area that was part of the town of old Carrollton. This area formed the upper reach of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Parish. In response to a growing population of the area of “Kennerville,” St. Mary’s Mission Church was erected in 1868 under pastor Father Francis Xavier Cueppens. St. Mary’s was completed in 1869. 	The annexation of the Carrollton area to New Orleans in 1874 lead to the forming of two separate parishes; Mater Dolorosa in New Orleans, and St. Mary’s in Kenner. Both of these new parishes were formed from the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. In 1936 St. Mary’s Church was renamed Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Our Lady of Perpetual Help also has a school. The elementary school was initially named St. Mary’s in 1928 and was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy through 1993. The Sisters of Mercy would commute to New Orleans by streetcar until the convent was built in 1929. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School currently has 230 students age 4 through 7th grade. They also have a locally esteemed choir. 	Sicilian and Italian immigrants played a large part in the traditions of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. There are two annual traditions that take place. First is the St. Rosalie Mass, procession, and benediction held on the 2nd Sunday of September. The St. Rosalie Mass is held to give thanks for the Saints intersession in saving livestock from an anthrax epidemic. The second tradition is the parish’s elaborate St. Joseph Altar, which is a collaboration between the Holy Name and Altar Societies that offers nineteen types of authentic, home-baked Italian cookies. Our Lady of Perpetual Help also has an Adoration Chapel and a Men’s Club that meets to discuss scripture twice a week. Something special that Our Lady of Perpetual Help offers is a memorial to those who lost their lives on the Pan Am 759 Flight in 1982. An annual Remembrance Mass to those who perished is held every July.

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. 

Catholic Churches of New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral

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