Profiles in Faith

Henrietta DeLille

Henrietta DeLille

Henriette Delille is the first U.S. native-born African-American whose cause for canonization has been officially opened by the Catholic Church.

• She was born a free woman of color in New Orleans in 1812.
• By 1836, she had inspired a small band of women to assist the sick and dying and to catechize among her people.
• By 1841, these pious women were recognized by the Church and these Sisters of the Holy Family trace their official origin to 1842.
• At her death in 1862, she was known as one “who for the love of Jesus had herself the humble servant of slaves.”

Venerable Henriette’s inspiring example is celebrated at a special Mass each November with the Sisters of the Holy Family and their associates and friends. For more on the mission and ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family, visit http://www.sistersoftheholyfamily.com/welcome.html.

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