Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church |
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The church in 2009
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| Location | 304 Sengstak Street Mobile, Alabama |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Religious institute | Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart |
| Website | www.mobilearchdiocese.org |
| History | |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Neoclassical |
| Years built | 1908 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Most Pure Heart of Mary |
| Diocese | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile |
Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church is a special Catholic church located in Mobile, Alabama. It is managed by a group called the Josephites. This church is famous because the Knights of Peter Claver, a very old and large organization for Black Catholics in the United States, was started here in 1909. The people and priests from this church also played an important part in the Civil Rights Movement.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
How the Church Began
Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church started in 1899. It was first a "mission," which means it was a new church outreach. The Josephites created it to serve the Creole people of African descent in Mobile. The first Josephite priests to work there were Rev. Joseph St. Laurent and Rev. Louis Pastorlli.
The School and Building
By 1901, a small school was opened. This school is still open today and is called the Most Pure Heart of Mary School. At first, regular church members taught at the school. Then, in October 1902, five Sisters of St. Francis came from Pennsylvania to take over the teaching. The main church building was finished in 1908. It was named Most Pure Heart of Mary to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Role in the Civil Rights Movement
During the time of the civil and political rights movement in the United States, this church became very important. Priests and nuns from the parish joined in boycotts and demonstrations. They supported the African American community in their fight for equal rights.
Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church was also a public meeting place. A group called Neighborhood Organized Workers (NOW) used it for their meetings. NOW was started in Mobile in July 1966. Its main goal was to help the African American community achieve equality.
The church is recognized for its history and is listed on the African American Heritage Trail of Mobile.
