St. Frances Cabrini Church

St. Frances Cabrini Church was a modernist Catholic building in Gentilly designed with seating for about 1500 people positioned close to the altar. This layout created an intimate gathering space where worshippers felt connected to the ceremony happening at the front.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans purchased land in Gentilly during 1952 to establish a parish for the growing Catholic community. The building served the neighborhood for decades until natural disaster struck the area.

Sister Helen Prejean served as religious education director and teacher at St. Frances Cabrini Church before its closure in 2005.

The building suffered severe damage from Hurricane Katrina floodwaters in 2005 and could not be restored. Today only the memory of this place remains, as the structure was demolished in 2007.

The building's design by the architectural firm Curtis and Davis earned recognition from the Louisiana Architects Association for its forward-thinking approach. This award highlighted the innovative way the architects solved the challenge of creating a modern worship space.

Inception: 1950

GPS coordinates: 30.01410,-90.07560

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23