The Carmelite Beginning

Four Discalced Carmelite Sisters from St. Louis arrived in New Orleans to found the Monastery of St. Joseph and St. Teresa. Among them were two Creole daughters of Louisiana: Louise J. Roman (Mother Teresa of Jesus) and Marie Eliza Tremoulet (Sister Marguerite).

They established one of only four Carmelite convents in America at the time, following the reformed order of St. Teresa of Avila emphasizing strict contemplation and poverty.

The French Quarter Home

The Sisters moved into a humble pre-Civil War cottage at 134 Barracks Street in the French Quarter. They gradually transformed it into a full monastery complex with 22-foot-tall brick walls, 14 courtyards, fruit orchards, terraced rooftop patios, and a beautiful chapel designed by architect James Freret.

Chapel Consecration

The permanent monastery chapel was consecrated by the Archbishop of New Orleans and dedicated to the Transfiguration of Our Lord. This sacred space became the heart of contemplative prayer in New Orleans.

Century of Silent Prayer

For nearly a century, the Carmelites lived in profound silence, solitude, and prayer. Their daily routine centered on the Divine Office, mental prayer, and intercession for the Church and the world. They supported themselves through religious artwork, sewing vestments, baking altar bread, and gardening.

Following their rule of poverty, the nuns wore sackcloth, went barefoot year-round, followed a vegetarian diet, and had no direct contact with the outside world after taking vows. Their contemplative life provided spiritual sustenance to New Orleans through the city's vibrant and often tumultuous history.

End of an Era

With the community diminished to just a few sisters and aging buildings in disrepair, the monastery could no longer be sustained. The nuns relocated, leaving the property dormant until it was sold to the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1975.

The Holy Spirit Stirs Anew

Father Emile LaFranz, a visionary priest deeply involved in the emerging Charismatic movement, reopened the former monastery as a Catholic Charismatic retreat and worship center: the Center of Jesus the Lord.

Volunteers helped restore the buildings, and the Center quickly became a hub of praise, healing, and renewal, offering teaching, intercession, prophecy, deliverance prayer, healing services, retreats, conferences, food distribution, and 24-hour prayer support.

Challenges and Perseverance

After Father LaFranz's untimely death at age 62, the Center faced challenges but persevered through the dedication of the faith community and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, causing significant damage and loss. The Center rose again, adapting its mission of prayer and renewal amid recovery efforts that tested the city's resilience.

A New Home

Under Archbishop Aymond's leadership, a "double blessing" occurred: the Center relocated from the old monastery to Our Lady of Good Counsel church, which had been closed since 2008 due to post-Katrina reorganizations.

After renovations preserving historic features while upgrading systems, the site officially reopened in December 2015 as a shrine and permanent home for our community.

Continuing the Mission

Today, under the blessed leadership of Father Anthony Inam, we continue the mission of renewal and healing. The Center thrives as part of the worldwide Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, which began in 1967 and has touched more than 100 million Catholics globally.

All of our ministry flows not from our strength, but from the mercy and power of Jesus Christ, lived out through praise and worship, healing prayer, Eucharistic adoration, teaching, and Spirit-led community.