Welcome Home to St. Augustine Church

Voices rang out in praise, worship and thanks as the St. Augustine Parish community gathered together in their church for the first time since Hurricane Ida. To commemorate the re-opening of the 185-year-old St. Augustine Church in Treme five years after the hurricane devastated the property, the parish held a two-hour Gospel Jazz Mass at 10 a.m. on June 7.  Father Emmanuel Mulenga, pastor, thanked everyone for all their hard work making this day a reality and thanked Archbishop-emeritus Gregory Aymond for his continued support over the past five years. Also in attendance was New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno who recognized the power of the community working together to get the parishioners back in their church.

“Today is an exciting day for all of us to be able to be back home in the church after holding Mass in the basilica, otherwise known as the parish hall since 2021,” laughed Father Mulenga. “I need to slow down and enjoy the moment today, we all do, and give thanks to God for all that we’ve been able to accomplish so far bringing the church back.”

“It’s appropriate that we celebrate in our sanctuary today on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ,” Father Mulenga added. “The Eucharist is a gift from Jesus to us and the church is also a gift to us today. During this process, we have learned patience along the way and today we have arrived at the promised land.”

According to the pastor, St. Augustine Church suffered considerable damage from Hurricane Ida including roof, ceiling and wall damage along with a long list of other items that need repairs. “It is a blessing that we have been able to make the repairs so far and look forward to completing the others. We couldn’t have done any of this without the work of many people behind the scenes.”

“It is a joyous, joyous day to be able to celebrate with you today,” Mayor Moreno said. “It’s wonderful to be back in the church, I’ve worshipped with you in ‘the basilica’ several times and it’s great to be back here. Congratulations and thank you Father.”

The excitement was palatable throughout the church not only during Father Mulenga’s heartfelt homily, but also as the 12-person gospel choir accompanied by a pianist, saxophone and guitar players (and one toddler on the hip of her mother) sang and celebrated Mass.

Norman Pete, life-long parishioner, said, “The church re-opening today means everything to me. I live one block away and I need to come to church, this is such a blessing.”

Another life-long parishioner, Denise Augustine, came to Mass today with a special gift for Father Mulenga. “Several years ago, I was shopping at an antique store and saw this vessel that I knew was for the hosts during Mass. When I inquired about the item, the gentleman told me it was original to St. Augustine Church – I knew today, the re-opening of our sanctuary was the perfect day to give this precious vessel to our priest.”

Father Mulenga closed Mass giving thanks to God that the day has come for this parish to gather again in their church and reminded everyone in attendance that all are welcome to worship at St. Augustine Church. “Welcome home,” he said.