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Faith and Resilience Carry St. Augustine Home After Ida in New Orleans
By: David Grunfield
Nearly five years after Hurricane Ida inflicted heavy damage on St. Augustine Catholic Church, one of New Orleans’ most important Black Catholic churches, the parish on Sunday gathered to celebrate its first Mass back inside the sanctuary after a major renovation.
“We’re back home,” said the Rev. Emmanuel Mulenga.
Since 2021, when water damage left the church unusable, Mass has been held in the historic Treme church’s social hall. A multi-year renovation repaired the roof and other damage.
On Sunday, the nearly two-hour Mass began with extended greetings, handshakes and hugs. Mulenga’s homily didn’t focus on what was lost, but on what survived.
“Today is a testament to faith — faith in God, faith in one another and faith in what we can do when we work together,” Mulenga said. “The spirit of collaboration has really flourished and helped us get back into our beautiful sanctuary. So, yes, it’s really a beautiful time.”
Father Emmanuel Mulenga chats with parishioner Willie Glaze.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Parishionar attend the first Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Larry Tierney, facing camera, is hugged by Denise Esnault, left, and David Johnson, after they learned that TierneyÕs wife, Mary, had died after 66 years of marriage.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
The oldest parishioner, Phelidee Monconduit, 95, celebrates Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga greets parishioner Richard Keller.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Larry Tierney, left, is consoled by Father Emmanuel Mulenga, after he learned that TierneyÕs wife, Mary, had died after 66 years of marriage.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno along with others greet one another with waves and handshakes.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Attendees and parishioners greet one another with waves and handshakes.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
The first Mass in the sanctuary.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga is greeted by Adolph Bynum.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga hugs a parishioner.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga greets mayor Helena Moreno before first Mass in the sanctuary.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga celebrates Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Parishioners pray during first Mass in the sanctuary.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga says the first Mass in the sanctuary.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Parishioners pray during Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Parishioners pray during Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga celebrates Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Parishioners pray Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
With scares from Hurricane Ida still on walls with peeled plaster, parishioners pray Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Parishioner Richard Keller prays during Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Naydja Bynum receives communion from Father Emmanuel Mulenga.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
The first Mass in the sanctuary at historic St. Augustine Catholic Church.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
The first Mass in the sanctuary at historic St. Augustine Catholic Church.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Cross bearer Norman Gallo walks out of the church at the end of Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Father Emmanuel Mulenga, center, walks out of the church at the end of Mass.
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Written by David Grunfeld
Photos by David Grunfeld
Published on Nola.com on June 7th, 2026
