Ever wonder what it’s like to witness a miracle? The story of Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church begins with such an event. Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church stands on Saint Philip Street in New Orleans. It is more than just a church. It embodies faith, resilience and community.
Originally, this building was St. Ann’s Catholic Church. It was constructed in the late 1800s. In 1920, St. Ann’s white congregation moved. They left the building behind. The Josephite Society purchased the property. It was for the colored Catholic population. The church was renamed Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church. It was named after the saint who dedicated his life to serving the colored race.
An extraordinary event occurred at Saint Peter Claver’s School on October 1, 1927. Mrs. Jennie Lombard reported seeing an apparition. It was Saint Therese of the Little Flower. She saw it in one of the windows. Word spread like wildfire. Thousands gathered hoping to witness the phenomenon. The pastor Father Joseph A. St. Laurent removed the window. Yet people claimed the same image appeared on two other windows. A lawyer testified seeing Saint Theresa on that window. Later, a statue of Saint Therese was donated to the church.
Father St. Laurent served as pastor from 1920 to 1929. He was known for his simple and direct sermons. He encouraged parishioners to cleanse their inner selves. He urged them to be generous. Under his guidance, the community flourished. Various religious organizations were established. Parishioners donated stained-glass windows and statues.
In 1921, the old St. Anne’s school was remodeled. It reopened with 150 students. The children raised money for playground equipment. By 1934, the school had expanded to eight classrooms. It had 550 pupils. A new school was needed. But the country was in the midst of the Great Depression.
Despite economic hardships, Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church continued to grow. In 1938, a house was remodeled into a convent for the nuns. In 1944, a new three-story school building was completed. Sports became an integral part of student life. By 1964, the Claver Federal Credit Union had surpassed $100,000 in savings. In 1969, an Afro-American History course was introduced into the curriculum.
The Josephite Society handed over the administration to the Edmundite Fathers in 1984. Under Father Michael P. Jacques’ leadership, the church became a beacon of hope. Many young people returned. Saint Peter Claver Parish became one of the largest African-American Catholic Churches in Louisiana.
Today, Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It highlights community and perseverance. Its history is rich with stories of miracles and dedication. It continues to serve as a spiritual home for many. It enriches the cultural tapestry of New Orleans.