Archdiocese of New Orleans

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The Archdiocese of New Orleans, an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese serving southeastern Louisiana in the United States. Erected on April 25, 1793, by Pope Pius VI as the Diocese of Louisiana and the Two Floridas, it was elevated to the status of an archdiocese on July 19, 1850, by Pope Pius IX. Led by Archbishop Gregory Aymond since 2009, it is the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans and home to St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of New Orleans

Diocese: Archdiocese of New Orleans
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of New Orleans
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Baton Rouge; Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux; Diocese of Lafayette
Country:United States
Region:Louisiana
Bishop:Gregory Michael Aymond
Website:https://nolacatholic.org/
Newspaper:https://clarionherald.org/
Catholic %:27.0%
Elementary Schools:81
High Schools:22
Deaneries:8
Priests:322
Existence:1793–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Louisiana and the Two Floridas
Catholic Hospitals:6
Rating:3.2
Chancery Address:7887 Walmsley Ave.

P. O. Box 5250

New Orleans, LA 70175-5250

Establishment

The Archdiocese of New Orleans traces its origins to the Diocese of Louisiana and the Two Floridas, erected on April 25, 1793, by Pope Pius VI through the bull Dominici gregis to serve Catholics in the vast territory west of the Mississippi River under Spanish rule.[1][2] The see was initially centered in New Orleans, reflecting the city's role as a major port and Catholic hub. It was elevated to an archdiocese on July 19, 1850, by Pope Pius IX, establishing the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans.[3]

History

Early Years

The early diocese faced challenges from yellow fever epidemics, territorial changes after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and tensions between French Creole and Irish clergy. Bishop Anthony Dominic Blanc (1835–1860) oversaw significant growth, including the construction of key churches.[4]

Civil War and Reconstruction

During the American Civil War, Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché (1860–1883) navigated Union occupation while maintaining neutrality. The archdiocese played a role in emancipation efforts, with Catholic institutions aiding freed slaves.

20th Century

Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel (1935–1964) desegregated Catholic schools in 1962, a landmark decision amid civil rights struggles. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 devastated the region, destroying over 80 churches and displacing thousands; recovery efforts rebuilt the Catholic infrastructure under Archbishop Alfred Clifton Hughes.[5]

Geography

The archdiocese covers approximately 3,465 square miles (8,975 km²) across 10 civil parishes in southeastern Louisiana:

  • Orleans Parish
  • Jefferson Parish
  • Plaquemines Parish
  • St. Bernard Parish
  • St. Charles Parish
  • St. James Parish
  • St. John the Baptist Parish
  • St. Tammany Parish
  • Tangipahoa Parish
  • Washington Parish

It forms the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans.[6]

Mother Church

St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter of New Orleans, completed in 1851 in Spanish Baroque style with neo-Gothic elements, serves as the mother church. It is the seat of the archbishop and the third St. Louis Church on the site, the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States.[7]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop Gregory Aymond has served since June 3, 2009. A New Orleans native ordained in 1975, he previously led the Diocese of Austin and emphasizes evangelization and disaster recovery.[8]

Auxiliary Bishops

  • Most Rev. Perry J. Cahill, appointed 2024. Ordained a priest in 1991, he serves as vicar general and focuses on clergy formation.[9]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Luis Ignacio Peñalver del Toro 1793–1801 First bishop; transferred to Archdiocese of Guatemala.
Francisco Porro y Peñalver 1803–1817 Died in office.
Patrick Byrne (bishop) 1818–1820 Died in office.
Leo Rayne (vicar general) 1820–1835 Administrator.
Anthony Dominic Blanc 1835–1860 First archbishop after elevation (pro illa vice); died in office.
Napoleon Joseph Perché 1860–1862
1862–1883 		Resigned temporarily; died in office.
Jean-Marie Odier 1862 Coadjutor; died before succession.
Francis Xavier Leray 1883 Died shortly after installation.
Gustave Antoine Rouxel 1883–1885 Died in office.
Francis Janssens 1888–1897 Died in office.
Placide-Louis Chapelle 1897–1898 Transferred to Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Alfred Simon 1899–1921 Died in office.
John William Shaw 1921–1933 Died in office.
Joseph Francis Rummel 1935–1964 Desegregated schools; retired.
John Patrick Cody 1964–1965 Transferred to Archdiocese of Chicago.
Philip Hannan 1965–1988 Served through Vietnam War and Katrina prep; retired.
Justin Francis Rigali 1987–1989 Coadjutor; transferred to Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Francis B. Schulte 1989–1993 Transferred from Leavenworth; retired.
Alfred Clifton Hughes 1993–2008 Oversaw Katrina recovery; retired.
Gregory Aymond 2009– Current archbishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[10][11]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese is rated 3.2 (balanced/moderate), with Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes (about 5-10%), a balanced emphasis on pro-life initiatives alongside social justice programs like housing for the poor, and Archbishop Aymond maintaining a centrist stance focused on unity and synodality.[12][13]

Statistics

As of 2023, the archdiocese covers 3,465 square miles (8,975 km²), serves 522,000 baptized Catholics (27% of total population of 1.9 million) across 139 parishes and 24 missions in 8 deaneries, with 483 priests, 258 deacons, and 423 religious sisters.[14][15]

Religious Communities

Ursulines

The Ursulines established the first convent in the United States in 1727, running Ursuline Academy and focusing on girls' education. Address: 2635 State St., New Orleans, LA 70118.[16] Ursulines New Orleans

Jesuits

The Jesuits operate Jesuit High School and several parishes, emphasizing education and retreats. Address: 4133 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119.[17] Jesuits USA

Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy provide healthcare and education through Mercy Endeavors. Address: 7339 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70126.[18]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Archdiocese of New Orleans

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The archdiocese includes 139 parishes organized into 8 deaneries, serving diverse communities including Creole, Vietnamese, Hispanic, and African American Catholics. Notable sites include historic churches like St. Augustine Church, the oldest African American Catholic church.[19]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese oversees 81 elementary/middle schools and 22 high schools serving over 20,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans
School Name City Type Website
Academy of the Sacred Heart New Orleans Elementary/High School https://ashrosary.org/
Brother Martin High School New Orleans High School https://brothermartin.org/
Jesuit High School New Orleans High School https://jesuitnola.org/
St. Augustine High School New Orleans High School https://sahs.org/
Ursuline Academy New Orleans High School https://www.ursulineacademy.org/

Full list at List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.[20][21]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans serves over 100,000 people annually with food, housing, disaster relief, and immigration services, notably aiding recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Ida.[22]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Archbishop Joseph Rummel integrated all Catholic schools in 1962, ahead of national civil rights advancements.[23]
  • Hurricane Katrina (2005) destroyed 100 churches; the archdiocese rebuilt with $800 million in aid, exemplifying resilience.[24]
  • The Ursulines arrived in 1727, founding America's first convent and school.[25]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of New Orleans:


  • Did you know? The Archdiocese boasts St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the U.S., with its triple spires lighting up the French Quarter since 1794!
  • Surprise! The Ursuline Nuns arrived in 1727, establishing the first convent and girls' school in the future United States—over a century before the Declaration of Independence!
  • Here's something cool: During yellow fever epidemics in the 1800s, brave priests like Fr. Antoine Blanc ministered to the dying, with some parishes ringing bells non-stop for the deceased.
  • Wow moment! Archbishop Rummel desegregated all Catholic schools in 1962—two years before the Civil Rights Act—showing the Church's bold stand for justice in the South.
  • Little-known gem: The archdiocese covers 10 parishes, including quirky spots like the fishing communities of Plaquemines, where Catholics blend Cajun faith with bayou life.
  • Fun fact: Jesuit High School has produced NFL stars and even a saintly alum vibe, with its Purple Knights marching in Mardi Gras parades!
  • Did you know? After Hurricane Katrina flooded 80% of New Orleans, the faithful held Mass in tents and schools, rebuilding over 100 churches through sheer grit and prayer.
  • Surprise! St. Augustine Church, the "Church of the Purple Blocks," is the oldest Black Catholic parish in the U.S., birthplace of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong's faith roots.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of New Orleans". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dnawl.html. 
    2. ↑ "Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_New_Orleans. 
    3. ↑ "Archdiocese of New Orleans". https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccathep/documents/rc_con_ccathep_doc_20091121_pontificale-louisiane_en.html. 
    4. ↑ "History of the Archdiocese". https://nolacatholic.org/archdiocese/history. 
    5. ↑ "15 Years After Katrina". https://clarionherald.org/2020/08/27/15-years-after-katrina-archdiocese-reflects-on-recovery/. 
    6. ↑ "About Us". https://nolacatholic.org/about-us. 
    7. ↑ "History". https://stlouiscathedral.org/history/. 
    8. ↑ "Gregory Michael Aymond". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/baymond.html. 
    9. ↑ "Perry Joseph Cahill". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcahill.html. 
    10. ↑ "Archdiocese of New Orleans". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dnawl.html. 
    11. ↑ "Archbishops". https://nolacatholic.org/archbishops. 
    12. ↑ "Liturgy and Worship". https://nolacatholic.org/offices/worship/liturgy. 
    13. ↑ "Archbishop Aymond". https://clarionherald.org/tag/archbishop-aymond/. 
    14. ↑ "Statistics". https://catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dnawl.html#statistics. 
    15. ↑ "Annuario Pontificio 2023". https://www.annuariopontificio.org/. 
    16. ↑ "Ursuline Nuns, New Orleans". https://www.ursulineneworleans.org/. 
    17. ↑ "Jesuit High School". https://jesuitnola.org/. 
    18. ↑ "Sisters of Mercy". https://www.mercyworld.org/. 
    19. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://nolacatholic.org/parishes. 
    20. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://nolacatholic.org/offices/catholic-schools. 
    21. ↑ "2023 Catholic School Data". https://ncea.org/NCEA_Proclaim/School_Data_2023. 
    22. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://ccano.org/. 
    23. ↑ "Desegregation History". https://nolacatholic.org/history-desegregation. 
    24. ↑ "Katrina 15th Anniversary". https://clarionherald.org/katrina-anniversary/. 
    25. ↑ "Ursuline History". https://www.ursulineneworleans.org/history. 

    External Links

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