About Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France · New Orleans, Louisiana
The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France, commonly known as St. Louis Cathedral, is the seat (mother church) of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans and stands fronting Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter. It is the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the United States, with Catholic worship on the site dating to the founding of New Orleans in 1718. The present structure, largely rebuilt in the 1850s by architect J. N. B. de Pouilly, was elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1964. It is a working parish church, a national historic landmark, and one of the most visited Catholic churches in America.
- Established
- 1720 (parish); 1727 (first church); 1789 (Spanish cathedral cornerstone); 1794 (dedicated as cathedral); 1850s (present structure)
- Patron
- Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France, canonized 1297)
- Rector
- Very Rev. Patrick J. Williams (Rector)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of New Orleans
Why belong here
Worshipping at St. Louis Cathedral means joining the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral community in the United States — a parish that has stood at the literal center of New Orleans since 1718 and remains a living, working church rather than a museum. The parish offers the full rhythm of Catholic life — daily and Sunday Mass in English, weekday and Saturday confession, an acclaimed music ministry led by Director of Sacred Music Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe and Principal Organist Jesse Reeks, and sacramental preparation for baptism, marriage and the Eucharist. Visitors and parishioners alike are drawn to its unique heritage: the original baptismal font that survived the 1788 fire (in which Pope Leo XIV's ancestors were baptized), the Venerable Henriette Delille prayer room, and the gold statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor whose prayers are credited with the American victory at the Battle of New Orleans. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or a pilgrim passing through the French Quarter, the cathedral welcomes you to pray, celebrate the sacraments, and take part in a faith community whose roots go back three centuries.
Mass times at Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday–Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM
- Private appointments always welcome (call the Rectory Office at 504-525-9585)
History of St. Louis Cathedral
Catholic worship has taken place on this site since the founding of New Orleans in 1718. The original wooden chapel was replaced in 1727 by a brick-and-timber church designed by French engineer Adrien De Pauger, which stood for six decades before being destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire of Good Friday, March 21, 1788. A larger Spanish cathedral, funded by Don Andrés Almonaster y Roxas, was begun in 1789 and dedicated as the cathedral of the new Diocese of Louisiana and the Floridas on Christmas Eve 1794. The church was again enlarged and largely rebuilt in the 1850s under architect J. N. B. de Pouilly after the central tower collapsed during construction in 1850. It was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1964.
- 1718 — First wooden chapel erected on site of present cathedral
- 1727 — First permanent Church of St. Louis completed under Adrien De Pauger
- 1788 — Great Fire of Good Friday destroys the church (Père Antoine is pastor)
- 1789 — Construction of Spanish cathedral begins, funded by Almonaster y Roxas
- 1793 — Diocese of Louisiana and the Floridas erected; Peñalver y Cárdenas named first bishop
- 1794 — Cathedral dedicated on Christmas Eve; Peñalver installed 1795
- 1819 — Benjamin Henry Latrobe adds central tower, clock and 'Victoire' bell
- 1849 — De Pouilly's enlargement contract signed with builder John Patrick Kirwan
- 1850 — Central tower collapses during construction; De Pouilly and Kirwan dismissed
- 1850 — New Orleans elevated to an Archdiocese
- 1851 — Archbishop Antoine Blanc blesses the rebuilt cathedral (Dec. 7)
- 1859 — Iron spire sheathed in slate to stop leaking
- 1872 — Erasme Humbrecht paints ceiling and altar frescoes
- 1881 — Lightning strike damages tower
- 1909 — Dynamite bomb damages interior
- 1916–1917 — Cathedral closed for foundation repairs after partial collapse
- 1918 — Cathedral placed in care of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI)
- 1929 — Stained-glass windows installed (Oidtmann workshop, Linnich, Germany)
- 1964 — Elevated to minor basilica by Pope Paul VI
- 1987 — Pope John Paul II visits and prays at Our Lady of Prompt Succor shrine
- 2004 — Holtkamp pipe organ donated by Elise Cambon
- 2005 — Hurricane Katrina damages roof, organ and the Jesus statue in St. Anthony's Garden
- 2008 — Rebuilt organ reinstalled
- 2015 — Restored fingers on Jesus statue reconsecrated on the 10th anniversary of Katrina
- 2025–onward — 'Our City Our Cathedral' multi-year, ~$75M restoration
The Building: Architecture & Art
The present cathedral is a stuccoed-brick structure built essentially to the 1850s design of J. N. B. de Pouilly, in a French Romantic / Spanish Colonial idiom with restrained classical detail. The three-story facade has paired Doric columns and pilasters, horizontal moldings and three towers — an octagonal spired tower at each end and a central openwork steeple of cypress and iron, sheathed in slate in 1859. The central clock tower reaches roughly 130 feet and still houses the 1819 'Victoire' bell.
- Architect: J. N. B. de Pouilly (1849–1851 design and enlargement)
- Style: Spanish Colonial / French Romantic, with Doric facade elements
- Towers: two octagonal end towers plus central openwork spire (~130 ft)
- Builder (1850s): Alexander Sampson, after Kirwan was dismissed
- Ceiling frescoes: Erasme Humbrecht, 1872 (on canvas, retouched 1891; restored 1918, 1938)
- Stained-glass windows: Oidtmann workshop, Linnich, Germany, 1929 — life of Louis IX
- Mural above main altar: St. Louis IX announcing the Seventh Crusade (Humbrecht, 1872)
- Pipe organ: Holtkamp, donated 2004 by Elise Cambon; rebuilt after Katrina, reinstalled 2008
- Cathedra (bishop's chair) symbolizing the archbishop's authority
Saints, Shrines & Devotions
St. Louis Cathedral is home to several beloved shrines and devotional objects. The gold statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor on the left side altar has been the city's patroness since arriving with the Ursuline Sisters in 1727; a Mass of thanksgiving is offered every January 8 in gratitude for Andrew Jackson's 1815 victory at the Battle of New Orleans. A prayer room honoring Venerable Henriette Delille is housed in the former baptistery, alongside the cathedral's original 18th-century baptismal font.
- Our Lady of Prompt Succor shrine (left side altar)
- Original baptismal font — oldest surviving element of the church (pre-1788)
- Henriette Delille prayer room (former baptistery)
- Statues of Sts. Peter and Paul flanking the main altar
- St. Anthony's Garden behind the cathedral, with the marble Jesus statue
Music & Liturgy
Music at the cathedral is led by Director of Sacred Music / Cantor Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe and Principal Organist / Music Consultant Jesse Reeks. The parish choir leads the congregation in song at the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass and provides music for special occasions and Archdiocesan celebrations, offering several concerts throughout the year. The 2004 Holtkamp pipe organ, donated by longtime choirmaster and organist Elise Cambon, was rebuilt after Katrina and reinstalled in June 2008.
- Director of Sacred Music / Cantor: Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe
- Principal Organist / Music Consultant: Jesse Reeks
- Sunday Mass with choir: 11:00 AM
- Holtkamp pipe organ (rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, reinstalled 2008)
Sacraments & Devotional Life
The cathedral offers the full range of parish sacraments: daily and Sunday Mass, weekday and Saturday Reconciliation, baptism (typically at the original 18th-century font), and marriage. Weddings are celebrated both at the cathedral and at St. Mary's Church four blocks away at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, with music coordinated through Jesse Reeks and wedding planning led by Deacon 'Chuck' LeBlanc. The Sunday TV Mass is broadcast on Fox 8 WVUE (9:00 AM) and on WLAE / DailyMass.com (11:00 AM).
- Daily Mass Mon–Fri at 12:05 PM
- Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM (changing to 4:00 PM as of July 4, 2026)
- Sunday Masses at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
- Confession Mon–Fri 11:30 AM–12:00 PM and Sat 4:15–4:45 PM
- Weddings at the Cathedral and at St. Mary's Church (Old Ursuline Convent)
Weddings at the Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most requested wedding venues in the United States, drawing couples from around the country and the world. Weddings are also celebrated at St. Mary's Church four blocks away, on the grounds of the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, which is available for receptions. Couples must follow the parish's published Wedding Guidelines and the Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation process.
- Wedding Director: Deacon James 'Chuck' LeBlanc
- Music coordination: Jesse Reeks, Principal Organist / Music Consultant
- Required forms: Wedding Guidelines, Music Selection Form, First Steps to the Altar Form
- Reception venue: Old Ursuline Convent Museum
- Booking note: Cathedral has stopped booking weddings after July 2027 due to interior restoration work
Staff & Parish Leadership
The cathedral is led by Rector Very Rev. Patrick J. Williams under the spiritual oversight of Archbishop of New Orleans Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond (retired 2025); the current archbishop is Most Rev. James F. Checchio, the 15th Archbishop of New Orleans. The cathedral has been staffed by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate since 1918. A full team of deacons, directors, gift shop staff and facilities personnel supports the parish's daily life.
- Archbishop: Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond (Archdiocese of New Orleans)
- Rector: Very Rev. Patrick J. Williams
- Deacons: Richard M. Brady, Ed Melendreras, James 'Chuck' LeBlanc (Wedding Director)
- Director of Sacred Music / Cantor: Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe
- Principal Organist / Music Consultant: Jesse Reeks
- Office Manager: Maureen Scheuermann
- Parish Secretary: Cecilia 'CC' Merritt
- Facilities Manager: Gordon Hyde
- Facilities Coordinators: Jason Baham, Al Miller
- Gift Shop Manager: Billy Wiltshire; Tours & Gift Shop Manager: Jolie Sekinger
- Catholic Cultural Heritage Center / Old Ursuline Convent: Executive Director Chris Wiseman, Ph.D.; Assistant Director Mark Johnson
Catholic Cultural Heritage Center & Old Ursuline Convent
The Old Ursuline Convent at 1100 Chartres Street, four blocks from the cathedral, is the oldest building in the French Quarter and the oldest intact structure in the Mississippi Valley. It was built in 1752 to house the Ursuline Sisters, who arrived in 1727 and established the nation's first Catholic school and orphanage. Today the convent is operated by the archdiocese's Catholic Cultural Heritage Center, which also hosts weddings at adjacent St. Mary's Church and receptions in the historic convent.
- Address: 1100 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116-2596
- Phone: 504-529-3040
- Executive Director: Chris Wiseman, Ph.D.
- Assistant Director: Mark Johnson
Visiting & Tours
The cathedral is open daily for visitors from 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM (last admission 3:45 PM), with some variation around weddings and special events. Entry is free. Highlights include the nave and barrel-vaulted ceiling frescoes, the Oidtmann stained glass, the original baptismal font, the Henriette Delille prayer room, the shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, and St. Anthony's Garden behind the cathedral with its marble Jesus statue.
- Open daily 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last admission 3:45 PM)
- Free admission
- Tours and gift shop managed by Jolie Sekinger (504-503-0343)
- Check the parish calendar before visiting — closures for weddings and special events
Restoration: 'Our City Our Cathedral'
In the mid-2020s the cathedral began the most extensive restoration of its modern history — a private campaign called 'Our City Our Cathedral', spearheaded by New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson. Estimated at roughly $75 million (initially announced at $45M), the work covers exterior stonework, plaster ceilings, the Humbrecht murals, the Oidtmann stained-glass windows, new climate-control and fire-suppression systems, and structural stabilization. Exterior work is expected to take at least two years, with interior work adding another 18–24 months. The cathedral remains open for Mass and most sacraments during the exterior phase.
- Campaign: 'Our City Our Cathedral' (private funding)
- Lead benefactor: Gayle Benson (Saints/Pelicans owner)
- Architects: Holly and Smith Architects (Kevin Morris, Andre Villere)
- Exterior phase: scaffolding, masonry, climate control of building envelope
- Interior phase: plaster ceilings, Humbrecht murals, stained-glass restoration, marble floor decision pending
- Mass schedule maintained through exterior phase; wedding bookings paused after July 2027 for interior work
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Prothais Boyerfrom July 1720
Franciscan Recollect missionary; first priest listed performing the functions of pastor in the parish records.
- Father Joseph of St. Charlesafter 1720
Carmelite priest; first to sign the registers as pastor of New Orleans.
- Father Richardfrom 1722
French secular priest.
- Father Bruno de Langres
First Capuchin superior in Louisiana.
- Father Raphael de Luxembourgdedicated church 1727
Capuchin superior; dedicated the first permanent Church of St. Louis in 1727.
- Father Dagobert
Capuchin; served more than a quarter of a century.
- Father Cirillo de Barcelona
Capuchin; became first Auxiliary Bishop of Louisiana.
- Rev. F. Matthias1751
Listed as parish priest.
- Father Antonio de Sedella ('Père Antoine')1785–1790 and 1795–1829
Spanish Capuchin friar (OFM Cap); held the pastorate a combined 41 years; buried before the altar (St. Francis Chapel). One of the most beloved figures in the city's history.
- Father Maenhaut
Noted as 'energetic' priest.
- Father Gustave Rouxel
Later Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans.
- Father Jean Marius Laval
Also became Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans.
- Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis Racine
Became Vicar-General under Archbishop Rummel.
- Various Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI)1918–present
Archbishop John W. Shaw placed the cathedral in charge of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1918; the order has staffed it continuously since.
- Very Rev. Philip G. Landryprior rector
Listed as previous rector on Wikipedia infobox and in Archdiocese of New Orleans prayer lists.
- Very Rev. Patrick J. Williamscurrent
Current Rector; leading the parish through the multi-year 'Our City Our Cathedral' restoration.
