St. Louis Cathedral - Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France

05/12/2026

The Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible, the first handwritten and -illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine institution since the invention of the printing press, is now on display at our sister site, the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, New Orleans.

This work of sacred art, which was gifted to the museum by Dallas philanthropists Elaine and Bruce Culver following the Jan. 1, 2025, terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, encourages guests to experience Scripture through meticulous calligraphy, vivid illuminations, and passages that continue to resonate today.

As Pope Leo XIV recently reminded us, the Gospel urges us to welcome the stranger, to recognize the humanity and dignity of all people, and to "open our arms and hearts" to migrants and refugees.

The historic Cope of St. John Vianney, the beloved Curé of Ars and patron saint of parish priests, is now on exhibit, as well.

Come check it all out at 1112 Chartres St., Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

05/10/2026

“My soul magnifies the Lord.”–Luke 1:46

Today, we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, who leads us closer to God with patience and love, and all the women who guide and nurture those around them. We give thanks for the powerful presence of not just mothers but also grandmothers, stepmothers, godmothers, and all caregivers who make the world a more compassionate place.

We also hold in prayer those who carry grief or longing today -- those who have lost mothers or children and all those for whom today is difficult.

May God surround all hearts with gratitude and comfort today, and may we all remember to cherish and appreciate those who mother every other day of the year, as well.

05/01/2026

This undated but pre-1915 photo of our sister site, the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, New Orleans, seemed like a great choice for on this rainy day. The street is no longer cobblestones, the bell tower on St. Mary's was lost in a 1915 hurricane, and the surrounding wall has changed, but otherwise, this is unmistakably the place we know and love! Come by and check out the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley the next time you're in the French Quarter!

P.S. We’re not saying we believe the ghost (or vampire) rumors … but that blur on the sidewalk does give us pause.

04/23/2026

Her feast day is not until July 29, but for the next two weeks, let's send up a prayer to St. Martha, the patron saint of the hospitality industry. We are thrilled to host so many Jazz Fest visitors in our wonderful city, and we hope they stop by the Cathedral for a tour. To those headed to the Fest, wear your sunscreen, stay hydrated, and don't skip the mango freeze or the soft-shell crab po' boy!

04/16/2026

Continuing the legacy! Yesterday, the Ursuline Academy Class of 2026 visited our sister site at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, New Orleans, where the Ursuline nuns lived from 1752 to 1824, using the building as a convent, an orphanage, and a school for girls. Special thanks to Executive Director Dr. Chris Wiseman, an Ursuline Academy board member and proud uncle of an Ursuline senior, who offered some impromptu history and genealogy lessons -- we love watching the past, present, and future intersect. (Also, congratulations, girls, on your upcoming graduation!)

04/13/2026

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.” — Song of Songs 2:11–12

Spring in New Orleans is a beautiful time, and with French Quarter Fest and our upcoming Spring Concert, it is hard to deny that the season of singing has come! Please join us at the Cathedral this Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. as our St. Louis Cathedral Concert Choir & Orchestra present Schubert’s Mass in G alongside works by Mozart, Fauré, and Rutter. It's free and open to the public, so bring your family and friends -- and revel in the joy of the season of singing!

04/10/2026

Catch our Director of Sacred Music Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe tonight on "Steppin' Out" promoting our Spring Concert! The concert, which will be at the Cathedral on Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. is free and open to the public and will feature works by Mozart, Schubert, Fauré, and Rutter.

04/09/2026

Preservation in progress! This week, local art conservator Elise Grenier began her preliminary analysis of the painting of King Louis IX above the sanctuary at St. Louis Cathedral, helping prepare for its future restoration. Grenier has contributed to remarkable restoration projects both here and abroad, including the Duomo in Florence and the Board of Trade renovation in New Orleans, and we are thankful for the expertise and care she brings to this important work.

04/07/2026

As we celebrate the joy and hope of Easter, we are reminded that renewal and rebirth are at the core of our faith. The restoration of St. Louis Cathedral will preserve its beauty and history but also give it new life to ensure it is still standing tall for future generations to enjoy. We’re grateful to see this important work highlighted and are excited to share it with you every step of the way.

“People are blown away by the beauty of it, the historic aspect of it, its significance. But I don’t think that the general public knows how much deterioration is going on.” The storied cathedral in the heart of New Orleans' Jackson Square is about to get a major facelift that will take years ...