You may not think much about Hurricane Francine (September 11-12, 2024), but we think about it every day. That's the storm that took out the motor of the 40-year-old elevator of our convent and bookstore in Metairie where we have been serving since 1968.

Ever since that storm, we've been toting up and down a narrow set of stairs not only heavy loads of books (so many books) and groceries, but even all the luggage for our singing Sisters on Concert Tour and all the costumes and decorations for our childrens' Christmas party! 

So we are well aware that it's a healthy thing to climb stairs multiple times a day. However, those many stairs are getting harder and harder for 85-year-old Sister Assumpta to negotiate. She's quite a trooper, and handles the whole situation with her typical joy. 

The first repairman who came to assess the damage to our elevator just looked at it in amazement. "That elevator is older than I am!" he finally said. The next repairman gave us the bad news: the storm had fried the motor.  And motors like that are not exactly in high demand. A replacement power unit (motor, pump and valve) would have to be special-ordered, with 50% of the cost paid up-front.  The insurance company just laughed at the thought of covering an expense like that.

We are a self-supporting community (none of the sisters receives a salary for her ministry), which means that for big repairs like this, we are on our own for this $17,000.00 project. And so, six months later, we are still waiting for that motor--and asking for your help in getting the convent-bookstore elevator "up" and running once more.

Are you in?

Everybody knows that Sisters pray, and many people (daily!) ask for our prayers for special intentions. So don't just send us a donation: send us your prayer requests! We will include them in our prayers, along with the intention of the many people around the world who join us online each evening for prayer. We count on your prayers, too (especially for the intention of good vocations).

About our mission

For over 50 years, Jesus has been living in a convent bookstore on Veterans (just east of Clearview in Metairie). The chapel offers his Eucharistic presence, while the bookstore offers his Word in a variety of formats to respond to the questions, desires, hopes and needs of the people who visit or call. And the convent? Well, that's home for the #MediaNuns, the Daughters of St. Paul. It's our mission to use every form of media to bring Jesus to people, and people to Jesus. We sisters not only serve in the bookstore, but provide spiritual formation and prayer support online to thousands of people around the world. We thank you for your willingness to join forces with us in our little corner of Greater New Orleans!

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? There are many ways to serve alongside the sisters; visit the bookstore and find out if our mission is a good match for your experience!