Built in 1850, this building is no longer a church. It is used as a cultural center and on this day held an exhibit of artistic Christmas creche' from various countries.
The Church was built in the Irish Channel of New Orleans especially for the Irish who wanted to hear their sermons spoken in their native tongue. The Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Directly across the street from St. Alphonsus stands St. Mary's Assumption Church which was built for the German immigrants who wanted sermons in their native tongue.
Until this time, all churches in New Orleans offered Mass with sermons in either French or English.