I have taken my Mom shopping on Magazine St on Black Friday every year for the last decade. And this was our starting point.
My Mom has lived in NOLA for most of her 70+ years and had never been inside this beautiful building. The stairs were steep for her but she did OK. We went inside the entrance off of Henry Clay into a hallway and were debating where to go next when a sister heard us and opened the door to the parlor (there is a sign). She told us to ring the bell next time which was against the far wall and on the right.
The gift shop is small and as the number of sisters at the monastery declines so does what they can offer. The handpainted ornaments are lovely and depict a variety of local landmarks. They also had creche sets, religious statues, tatted items, candles, boxes with decoupaged saints, mini-purses and some miniature NOLA scene artwork. The gift shop is cash and check only.
The highlight for both of us is that we were allowed to tour the chapel which is gorgeous. The wood carving on the altar and the stained glass windows are beautiful and not ostentatious which befits an order with vows of poverty.
Really a lovely space and you're supporting the order of religious. What's not to love. My mom was thrilled to have gone inside and I'm happy to have brought her. read more