Courtyard of Saints
Saint Angela Merici Parish
The Courtyard of Saints is a tribute to the people of God who played a special role in the Church of New Orleans. On the Feast of the Epiphany, January 4, 1997, Monsignor Kern dedicated the Courtyard of Saints before a congregation of parishioners, priests, and religious, including Archbishop Francis B. Schulte. The enamel on copper plaques of the likenesses of these saints and religious were designed and created by Ruth Goliwas. The Courtyard of Saints is located between the church and the parish center and offers a quiet, reflective walk inspired by these special people of God.
Take a virtual walk with us along the Courtyard of Saints. Click each picture to view a larger image of the artwork.
Saint
Angela Merici
Angela Merici founded the Order of the Ursulines Nuns and changed what religious life was
for women. She sought to educate poor young
women and thereby re-evangelize families by future wives and mothers. It was her sisters, the Ursuline Nuns, who would
first come to New Orleans and create the Catholic Schools in 1723.
Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini
Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini came to New Orleans in 1892 to minister to the Italian immigrants newly arrived in the city. Her order, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, under her direction, established schools and orphanages here. Her love of God led her to live among us for awhile and make present Christ to those who were foundering. She would go on to minister to others in this country and South America. Mother Cabrini died in 1917 in Chicago. She would become the first American citizen to be recognized as a saint by the Church.
Saint Katherine Drexel
Saint Katherine Drexel was a wealthy Philidelphia socialite who devoted her
fortune to bring Christ to others, especially the Native American and African American
poor. It was by her efforts that Xavier
University, the premier black Catholic university in the world, was established here in
New Orleans. Her Missionary Sisters of the
Blessed Sacrament established 49 foundations throughout the United States. She died in 1955 at the age of 97.
Mother Henriette Delille
Mother Henriette Delille, we hope and pray, may be the first native of New Orleans to be raised to the honor of Sainthood. Heniette was a free woman of color, born in New Orleans in 1812. In 1826, Henriette inspired a small band of women to assist the sick and dying and to catechize the uninstructed among her people. By 1841, this group of pious women was both encouraged and inspired by the Church. The Sisters of the Holy Family trace threir official origin to the following year. By 1851, Henriette had personally purchased a home where these women could live in community and further their ministry. Mother Henriette is still taking care of the people of New Orleans as her daughters continue her work.
Saint Rose Phillipine Duchesne
Saint Rose Phillipine Duchesne came to the New World in 1818 to establish the presence of
her newly founded order, the Society of the Sacred Heart.
She came at the invitation of the Bishop of New Orleans and started her work here. She did not stay in New Orleans long, but rather
left for Missouri to serve the native Americans, especially the Patawatomi, who called her
“the woman who prays always.” Phillipine
was responsible, as Superior, for the establishment of schools in Louisiana in 1824. Convent, a town on the Mississippi River just
north of New Orleans, was so named because of Phillipine’s school located there. She died in 1852 at the age of 83.
Blessed Francis Seelos
Blessed Francis X. Seelos, C.Ss.R. arrived in America in 1843. Having studied for the priesthood in Germany, he asked to be admitted to the Redemptorists with a view to future work in America. He was ordained in 1844. Three years after ordination he was appointed Master of Novices and spent one-third of his priestly life training future priests. In 1860 the Bishop of Pittsburgh wanted Fr. Seelos to be his successor. Fr. Seelos asked to remain a humble priest and his request was granted. He preached missions and retreats throughout most of what was then the United States. Transferred to New Orleans in 1866, he contracted yellow fever and died October 4, 1867. Many miracles are attributed to him both during his life and after his death. His life and virtues have been approved by the church as heroic and he has been declared Blessed, the final step before sainthood.
- Tom Gerace (Jr.) photos.
Pictures Copyright © 2001 Thomas Gerace, Jr.