Grants ensure future for two New Orleans Catholic landmarks

Published: 2008-05-21

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Two Catholic landmarks in New Orleans have been given much-needed cash to reinforce the structures and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience spiritual mysteries that might connect them to the past. The aging structures -- both threatened with extinction -- are among five celebrated properties in the hurricane-ravaged Louisiana city to receive restoration grant money from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. St. Augustine Catholic Church -- which had been given a reprieve from closure in 2006 -- received $75,000 for repairs to its parish hall's sealtab-shingle roof, and the St. Alphonsus Art & Cultural Center was given $80,000 for the restoration of the 1891 front portico of the church building. The remainder of the grant money went to St. James A.M.E. Church, Odyssey House social services center and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

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