July 20, 2025

With hearts full of gratitude and reverence, the faithful gathered within the hallowed walls of St. Louis Cathedral on November 17 to honor a century of unwavering service and sacrificial love from Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO). Founded in 1924 by Archbishop John W. Shaw and guided early on by the trailblazing Msgr. Peter Wynhoven, this beacon of Catholic social teaching has stood firm amid the storms of time, bringing Christ’s mercy to the poor, the hungry, and the forgotten. As the holy Mass commemorated 100 years of this mission, Archbishop Gregory Aymond exalted the legacy of countless faithful—Ursuline Sisters, priests, laity—who have answered Christ’s call to serve “the least of these.” A poignant torch-passing marked the moment, as Sister Marjorie Hebert, a Marianite and faithful steward of CCANO’s mission for 12 years, prepared to entrust its future to Cynthia Hayes, a Catholic educator rooted in the spirit of service. “A new era begins,” declared Sister Marjorie, as hymns of thanksgiving rose to heaven. In an age so desperate for light, the legacy of Catholic Charities endures—making

Leave a Reply