Archbishop reopens churches

Photo credits: Rusty Costanza, Times-Picayune

The former Archbishop decided to close many Catholic churches after Hurricane Katrina, avowing budgetary issues, although he first bargained with parishioners to boost attendance in attempts to save their neighborhood churches.

Many succeeded, but their churches were closed anyway. Not only did this anger them; they refused to leave! Holding 24/7 vigils, they refused to allow church doors to be locked. Then, the police were sent in to remove them! Needless, to say, eviction was not a good public relations move - nor was it very charitable.

Photo: Rusty Costanza, T-P

Most New Orleanians are Catholic, many devout. They've attended the same churches their entire lives, made their first communions, confirmations, taken marriage vows there, etc.

After Hurricane Katrina, everybody needed to pray even more.

Four members filed a law suit in Civil court.

To make a very long story short, Our Lady of Good Counsel, one of the most hotly contested churches, is to be reopened by the new Archbishop.