Nov 4 - Mass at St. Augustine

On Sunday the family gathered at Saint Augustine Catholic Church of New Orleans, the oldest African-American Catholic Parish in the United States for three special events: a mass unlike any other, a picnic to socialize and catch up with relatives, and a presentation by Mardi Gras Indians.

Mass at Saint Augustine

Information and pictures of the church can be found here. Since its dedication in 1842, St. Augustine has been a church of the free black citizens of New Orleans, welcoming both free and slave as worshipers. Today it is home to the Soulful Voices Choir, whose members ring out the joy of Christ during the non-traditional jazz mass every Sunday.

French architect J. N. B. de Pouilly's
design drawing of St. Augustine, circa
1840. De Pouilly also designed New
Orleans's St. Louis Cathedral.

The church has undergone several interior
reorganizations during its long life.

Father Ledoux was responsible for
the unique altar and lecturn. He
moved both outside the sanctuary
railing, closer to the congregation.

The Soulful Voices Choir warming up
before the jazz mass. 

Fabienne, Romain, and Father Quentin Moody.

The pews set aside for our family were
filled with Daubards and Dobards.

The Sisters of the Holy Family were founded
here in 1842. One of the founders, Henriette Delille,
is well on her way to canonization.
Click on her name to learn more about her.

The tomb of the unknown slave
at the church. Click here to learn
its history. 

After mass we were to move into the church social hall for a picnic, but the heavens let loose with an unexpected torrential rain that pretty much prevented anyone from leaving. The choir kicked into high gear and there was some joyful singing and dancing as we waited for the rain to subside.