Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales (Houma, Louisiana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales |
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 Location in Louisiana
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| 29°35′41″N 90°43′22″W / 29.59466°N 90.72277°W | |
| Location | 500 Goode St. Houma, Louisiana |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| Membership | 2,061 families |
| History | |
| Founded | 1847 |
| Consecrated | 1938 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1938 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Brick, Copper |
| Bells | 4 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Houma-Thibodaux |
The Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales is a beautiful Catholic cathedral located in Houma, Louisiana, USA. It is a very important church because it serves as the main church for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This diocese is like a large church district. The Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales shares this important role with St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
Early Beginnings (1847-1938)
The St. Francis de Sales church community started around 1847. It was founded by a priest named Rev. Zéphyrin Lévêque. At first, church services were held in the local courthouse in Terrebonne Parish.
The very first church building for the community was finished in 1848. This original church was built in a style called Romanesque. However, a hurricane in the 1920s caused damage to this building. Because of this, a new church was needed.
Construction on the current church building began in 1936. This project was led by Rev. August Vandebilt. The new church was completed in 1938. It was built thanks to the generous support of Rev. August Vandebilt.
The Sisters and Catholic Schools
In 1870, a group of nuns called the Sisters of the Marianites of the Holy Cross came to the parish. They started the first Catholic school in Terrebonne Parish. The sisters lived in a special building called a convent, which was on the church grounds.
For the first 20 years, the sisters taught only girls at a school called Houma Academy. This school was located on Point Street. It wasn't until 1890 that the sisters opened a school for boys. This boys' school was a two-story wooden building.
The current school building, which teaches students from kindergarten to 7th grade, was built in 1951. It replaced both the girls' and boys' schools. The old Houma Academy then became a high school for boys. Later, in 1965, Houma Central Catholic High School was completed. In 1966, this high school was renamed Vandebilt Catholic High School. This was done to honor Father August Vandebilt's strong support for Catholic education.
The Sisters of the Marianites of the Holy Cross had a long history at the Cathedral parish and school. Their direct presence ended in 2011. The last religious sister, Sr. Immaculata Paisant, retired from her role. Even though the sisters are no longer there, their hard work and dedication continue to shape the school.
The Cathedral Today
The church property today includes several buildings. There is the main church building, a youth center and gymnasium, the convent, the school, and the rectory (where the priests live). There are also two historic cemeteries, St. Francis de Sales Cemetery #1 and #2. The old convent building is currently being updated. It will become a resource center for people interested in becoming priests or religious sisters.
The Cathedral Parish also hosts many groups and activities. One important group is a local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. This is a group for Catholic men who do a lot of charity work. It is the largest Catholic charitable organization in the world.
On March 2, 1977, Pope Paul VI created the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. At that time, St. Francis de Sales Church was given the special title of "cathedral." This made it the main church for the new diocese.
Bishops of the Diocese
The Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales is where the bishops of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux have their main church.
- Bishop Warren Boudreaux was the first bishop of the diocese. He is buried under the marble altar near the statue of the Blessed Mother.
- Bishop Michael Jarrell was the second bishop. He served from March 4, 1993, until October 10, 2003.
- Bishop Sam G. Jacobs became the third bishop on October 10, 2003. He retired on October 30, 2013.
- Bishop Shelton Fabre was appointed the fourth bishop by Pope Francis. He was previously an auxiliary bishop in New Orleans.
- Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville was appointed the fifth bishop by Pope Francis. He was previously an auxiliary bishop in Washington.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de San Francisco de Sales (Houma) para niños
