Do you see this plaque? It marks Place de Henriette Delille. This place honors a remarkable woman. Henriette Delille dedicated her life to serving others.
Place de Henriette Delille is more than just a marker. It represents a legacy of faith, service, and social justice. Henriette Delille was born in New Orleans in 1812. She was a free woman of color.
Her mother was Marie Josephe Diaz a free Afro-Creole woman. Her father was likely Jean Baptiste Delille Sarpy a Louisiana merchant. Henriette was raised in the Catholic faith. She saw the inequalities around her. She wanted to make a difference.
In 1836 Henriette inspired a group of women. They assisted the sick and dying. They fed the hungry and brought the word of God to the uneducated. Henriette wrote a simple prayer. It guided her life. “I believe in God. I hope in God. I love and I want to live and die for God.”
In 1842 Henriette Delille founded the Sisters of the Holy Family. This was a religious order for women of African descent. They cared for the poorest of the poor. This included the enslaved and free people of color. The sisters also aided poor whites during yellow fever epidemics.
Delille faced many challenges. Racism was rampant. Black women were often not seen as worthy of religious life. Despite opposition she persevered. She and her sisters provided essential services.
Henriette Delille died in 1862. She was known as one who made herself the humble servant of slaves. Her work continued after her death. The Sisters of the Holy Family grew. They established schools orphanages and nursing homes. Their ministry expanded to other states and even to Belize and Nigeria.
Place de Henriette Delille reminds us of her dedication. She has been declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI. The Catholic Church is considering her for sainthood.
Henriette Delille’s life exemplifies faith, service, and a commitment to justice. She is an inspiration to us all. Her legacy lives on through the Sisters of the Holy Family. They continue to serve those in need. Take a moment to reflect on her extraordinary life. Remember her dedication to God and her fellow human beings. That is the story of Place de Henriette Delille.