Welcome to the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans, a cornerstone of faith and history in Shreveport, Louisiana. Let’s journey back to its origins, which date to 1902 when a group of Jesuit priests, led by Father John F. O’Connor, arrived in Shreveport at the invitation of the Bishop of Alexandria. Their mission was to establish a parish and a school for boys. This marked the beginning of the parish, which initially consisted of two modest frame buildings on Texas Avenue that served as a residence, church, and school.
By 1924, the burgeoning Catholic community necessitated a larger church. The groundbreaking for the new structure took place on July 31, 1927, and by June of the following year, the church was completed. The building was formally consecrated on January 16, 1929, showcasing a unique architectural blend of Tudor-Gothic styles, featuring exposed wooden beams and elegant pointed arches. Inside, the cathedral is graced with stained-glass windows crafted by renowned artist Emil Frei Jr.
Significant changes came in 1977 when the church was designated as a co-cathedral for the Diocese of Alexandria–Shreveport. Less than a decade later, in 1986, the Diocese of Shreveport was established, elevating Saint John Berchmans to the status of a cathedral for the new diocese. The Jesuits handed over administration to the diocese in 1988, and the cathedral underwent a major renovation from 1992 to 1994, which included the addition of a vestibule and a chapel.
In 2016, a remarkable event deepened the cathedral’s spiritual significance. It acquired relics of the heart of Saint John Berchmans from the Jesuit order in Belgium, now housed in a reliquary near the main altar. This relic serves as a poignant connection to the cathedral’s namesake, a Jesuit scholastic known for his piety and dedication to God.
As you explore the cathedral, consider its role not just as a place of worship but as a testament to the resilience and faith of the Shreveport community. From its humble beginnings to its present standing, the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans remains a vibrant symbol of spiritual heritage and community spirit.
