ST. JUDE SHRINE IN NEW ORLEANS

 A BEACON OF HOPE

Just down the street from the hoop-la of Mardi Gras, visitors will find the oldest church building in New Orleans. Originally called the Mortuary Chapel when built in 1826 it is now called Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel and the International Shrine of St. Jude.

The Church had quite a history. It first served the needs of those stricken from the yellow fever as being the only place to have funeral services. Later it became a sanctuary for confederate soldiers. As the number of Italian Immigrants arrived in New Orleans, the Dominican Fathers took it over and named it St. Anthony's. Once they purchased more property elsewhere the church was once again closed.

In 1918, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Southern Province in Texas were invited by Archbishop John W. Shaw to minister to St. Louis Cathedral, St. Mary's Italian Church and the Mortuary Chapel. The Oblates renamed the Chapel to Our Lady of Guadalupe for the many Spanish speaking Catholics who were now living in the area.

Fr. Jules Bornes, OMI, was the first Oblate Administrator. Encouraged by Fr. Bornes, a group of parishioners began devotions to St. Jude and the first devotions began on Sunday, Jan. 6,1935.

Today St. Jude's Shrine is well-known throughout New Orleans and its suburbs. To this day, four times a year, the Novena to St. Jude is given five times a day to standing room only crowds. The Shrine is under the leadership of Fr. Michael Amesse, OMI, Pastor assisted by Fr. Tony Rigoli, OMI.

The Church is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. You can always find people from the neighborhood and the Quarters stopping by to pray. In the midst of the active French Quarters to the housing projects behind the Church, housing many of the poorest, there stands this Beacon of Hope.

As one parishioner said: "our church is a place where, for some it the only place where we can find our peace for the day". It is truly a light of hope for God's People seeking strength and peace.

Across from the Church stands St. Jude's Community Center. At one time it was a bus terminal but through a gift from a donor it was given to the Church. This Center truly stands as another Beacon of Hope.

Under the direction of Bro. Danna Gauthreaux, OMI, MSW, it daily houses a nursery for children of working parents, a center for meals for the elderly, and even more, a center where young people come for treatment from substance abuse. At present around one-hundred and twenty young people come through the program monthly. Many are court ordered and others come from Covenant House, our nearby shelter for homeless youth.  Next Fall, Covenant House will be utilizing more of the Center for programs to assist Youth. Other programs at the Center help train people for jobs and an active St. Vincent de Paul Society is present to assist the needs of the poor. All day, people come into the Center for help but even more so for hope.

    In the midst of poverty, homelessness and violence, Our Lady of Guadalupe stands as a beacon of Hope. Oblates who have served here as well as visitors are struck by the light that this little area of New Orleans brings to so many. 

 – Tony Rigoli – 1-15-03