Rosaryville Spirit Life Center

Queen of The Most Holy Rosary Chapel

In 1940, an Irish Dominican priest, Fr. John L Curran, O.P. served the Ponchatoula area as associate pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church. His service broadened with his active involvement in World War II as chaplain for the troops. He provided a much needed spiritual link being a prisoner of war in the notorious Bataan Death March. Fr. Curran went to extraordinary lengths to secretly provide a source of worship and hope. Discovery of his efforts was punishable by death to all involved. He made a sacred pledge that if he were to survive, he would erect a chapel honoring the Mother of God.

 

Fr. Curran did survive and upon returning to the area, he enlisted the help of friends and neighbors to begin construction of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in Manchac. Built of cypress, even using trestles from the Manchac bridge donated by the railroad, the promise was fulfilled as locals came to worship and celebrate in the small chapel dedicated to Our Lady.

 

The chapel became endangered due to weather and age. The Pugh family, friends of Fr. Curran, moved, restored and safeguarded the chapel on their land in south Ponchatoula. The passing years and inactivity took their toll, and the third and final chapter of this chapel’s journey came when Rosaryville entered the picture. 

This miraculous fulfillment of a dedicated priest’s pledge now resides in a beautiful retreat setting, thanks to the generosity and devotion of the Pughs. This little chapel has been given a new life and purpose by serving countless new generations that come to Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, as well as providing a place of serenity and cherished memories open to all.

 

You are invited to be part of the resurrection of Queen of the Most Holy Chapel. A brick walkway is planned and customized bricks may be engraved with your name or business, family, friend or in memory of a loved one.