The Church of St. Alphonsus, a historical edifice located on Constance Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, completed in 1857, stands as one of the few structures that have preserved a national image of rich church interior and high-quality Italian architectural style.
In 1996, it was declared a National Historic Landmark for its architectural significance. Today, it houses the St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center.
Church Features
The interior of St. Alphonsus Church is arguably the most stunning among all churches in New Orleans. Built by the Irish in 1855 because they refused to worship at St. Mary's Church with their German-speaking neighbors, the gallery, columns, and sharply curved staircases lead to atmospheric balconies where paint and plaster highlight the building's rich history.
The church boasts a complex, richly decorated symmetrical façade, with a central entrance area flanked by two towers crowned with crosses. The façade is embellished with pilasters, curved brick panels, and niches that house statues. The interior is also richly decorated and features a plaster ceiling painted with works by Domenico Canova. The Bavarian-origin stained glass belongs to F. X. Zettler. The floors are covered with mosaic tile.
No mass is held in the church anymore. Ironically, when St. Mary's Church was restored, St. Alphonsus Church closed, and people began to gather there. Hopes for a similar restoration are high, but it's a daunting task. Hurricane Katrina caused half a million dollars in damage, and the downriver bell tower was severely damaged. Meanwhile, the site is still used for events.
The history of construction
The Redemptorists, known as the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, trace their origins back to 1732 when they were founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori in Italy. Their mission is to proclaim the Good News of the Redemption.
Popular from the start thanks to their saintly and charismatic founder, the group soon spread across the Italian Peninsula. By the late 1700s, the Redemptorists began ministries in German-speaking regions and Poland. They arrived in the United States in 1832.
They were brought to New Orleans at the invitation of Bishop Antoine Blanc in 1843. Over the years, as the population grew, three churches were built as part of what would become known as St. Alphonsus Parish: a church for the Irish (St. Alphonsus Church), a church for the Germans (Assumption Church of St. Mary), and a church for the French (Bon Secour). Over the years, the population mixed, and only one of the three churches (Assumption Church of St. Mary) is still used for mass and communion today.
What's with the attraction now
Bon Secour Church was dismantled many years ago, and St. Alphonsus Cathedral continues to be gradually restored. It is currently used for various cultural events, emphasizing the unique role it plays and continues to play in the life of New Orleans.
Today, St. Alphonsus School is a center for preschool education, managed by the Sisters of Mercy. After Hurricane Katrina, St. Alphonsus Parish provided over $300,000 in aid to those in need.
St. Alphonsus Church is a spiritual home for 700 families, as well as a pilgrimage site for many. It is a welcoming community that recognizes the importance and value of all people, regardless of their background or state of life.
Additional Information
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Address
201 Church Rd, Wexford, PA 15090
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Phone
+1-724-935-1151
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Web site
| Address | 201 Church Rd, Wexford, PA 15090 |
| Phone | +1-724-935-1151 |
| Web site |
You can still visit the museum's interior, which looks incredibly good. Free tours with voluntary donations are conducted on an informal schedule (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm or by appointment).
Visit St. Alphonsus Church with American Butler — we'll arrange a tour for you to this and other city attractions!
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