Sisters of the Holy Family, Est. 1842

Henriette Delille established the Sisters of the Holy Family in 1842, 175 years ago, as an order of nuns for African-Americans in New Orleans. Henriette’s and her sisters’ mission was to care for the sick and elderly, while also providing education to children.

The nuns began St. Mary’s Academy and the Lafron Nursing Facility in the 1800s. Both institutions and the Sisters persevere to this day. The nuns were trailblazers, taking charge and helping to take care of people when their station in life was far from stable.

Henriette may become canonized for her life’s work in New Orleans.

Learn more about Henriette on WWNO’s website.

– Sarah H. Centorino, The New Orleans 100