Father Michael Jacques remembered at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church Saturday
In Treme, hundreds packed inside a church to say goodbye to a man who touched countless lives and meant so much to so many.
A funeral Mass was held for beloved and respected priest Father Michael Jacques of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.
A horse-drawn caisson led the way for hundreds during a funeral procession winding through the streets of Treme Saturday celebrating the life and legacy of a respected pillar in the community.
Father Michael Jacques, who pastored St. Peter Claver Catholic Church for more than 20 years, was an advocate for the poor and homeless.
On June 6, Father Michael died of a heart attack. He was 64 years old.
“Father Michael was a wonderful priest, really dedicated to God’s people and was a great pastor,” said Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. “He was also a real voice for justice and peace. He was a voice against racism and against violence.”
During a standing room only funeral Mass, hundreds of clergy, dignitaries and parishioners paid respects to a man called a role model for children and supporter of women’s rights.
Father Michael is credited with growing the parish into the largest African-American church in the state.
“[He was] a real, true brother of Christ, and I respect him in every way because of the things that he did for the community,” said parishioner Benjamin Stewart.
“In my opinion, he was the community,” said parishioner Sybil Reed. “He was St. Peter Claver. He was a very gentle person. You could go to him anytime.”
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