September 2026
From Our Director...
Dear Friends of Our Lady of Prompt Succor,
For generations, the National Votive Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor has been a place for people to come and pray, seek Our Lady’s intercession, and bring their hopes, needs, and intentions. The Shrine continues to welcome visitors and worshippers throughout the year, offering opportunities for prayer and reflection.
It also shares its rich history and a devotion to Our Lady that was brought to New Orleans centuries ago and continues to be cherished at the Shrine today.
As we care for this historic Shrine, which has stood for more than 100 years, we are always mindful of our responsibility to preserve and care for it so that its mission and devotion to Our Lady can continue. With the support of our donors,
we have been able to make important repairs and improvements to the Shrine, including:
o Install a new lighting system and wiring to meet updated standards
o Treat the attic space for drywood termites
o Repair damaged plaster and refurbish metal staircase in the belfry space
o Insulate the HVAC Pipes
o Replace broken terracotta pipes with PVC to improve drainage behind the building
o Address other essential maintenance projects
These projects have helped us preserve and protect this treasured Shrine and ensure that its doors remain open to those who come to visit.
As we begin a new fiscal year, several pressing needs require our attention, including:
o Replacing the Shrine’s outdated security camera and alarm system
o Replacing the mechanical components and arms of the existing gate system that serves the special-needs parking area
o Identifying and repairing roof leaks when needed
o Continuing to provide stipends for the priests who celebrate daily Mass and strengthen our music ministry to enhance special liturgies
Your support allows us to continue the Shrine’s mission and ensure that it remains an open, safe, and welcoming place where people can come to pray, seek our Lady’s intercession, and find consolation. A gift of any amount helps us address these ongoing needs and care for this sacred Shrine. Enclosed with this letter is a return envelope if you wish to send your gift by mail. For those who prefer to give online, you may do so at www.shrineolps.com/donate . We are grateful for your continued support and remember you and your loved ones in our prayers at daily Mass. May all who turn to Our Lady find in her a source of hope and comfort and be drawn ever closer to her Son, Jesus.
Yours in faith,
Cindy Self
Executive Director
To donate by credit card, please click one of the links below.
Click here to make a one-time donation.
Click here to make a weekly recurring donation.
Click here to make a monthly recurring donation.
There are a number of easy and tax-wise beneficial ways to donate.*
• Direct Mail: Mail a check directly to the Shrine at 2701 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.
• Online: For those who wish to conveniently make a gift online, go to www.shrineolps.com/donate.
• Stocks & Securities: If you choose to make a gift of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds and mutual funds) they are deductible at the fair market value on the day they are transferred to the National Votive Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and sold. Have your financial advisor contact us for transfer instructions.*
• Retirement Assets: Those who are aged 70 ½ years or older may contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA or Retirement Plan directly to a charity and avoid paying income taxes on the distribution. This is known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).*
• Bequests & Wills: A bequest allows you to create your own legacy by making a gift while retaining your assets during your lifetime, and can eliminate or reduce federal estate taxes.*
*It is always advisable to consult with your tax and/or financial advisor or your attorney before making any decisions regarding significant charitable gifts, particularly in making gifts of securities, retirement assets, and bequests. This will safeguard your interests and those of your family.
If you are interested in supporting the Shrine through a bequest, please contact Mary Lee Harris at 504.473.6750.
National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor US Federal I.D. No. 32-0295257
If you prefer to make a designated gift through the CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, please contact:
Cory J. Howat, Executive Director
504.527.5778
chowat@ccfnola.org
Circles of Prayer
Generations of Ursulines and friends of Our Lady of Prompt Succor have learned about many of the favors granted through the intercession of Our Lady in response to pleas for quick and favorable help. We will never know them all. But those we know are a source of encouragement and hope to all who count on Our Lady’s help.
The Ursuline Sisters, in a tradition that has continued for over two centuries, gather the written petitions of the faithful in the Sanctuary of the Shrine. The Sisters and the faithful pray daily for these intentions during the celebration of the Eucharist.
We would like to invite you to become part of this tradition by joining the Circles of Prayer that have multiplied throughout the country. Your request for prayers for your special intentions will be physically placed in our Sanctuary and will be remembered each day at daily Mass. Your requests will also be circulated to the Circles that are active nationwide.