Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about our restoration campaign for St. Francis de Sales Oratory.
Built to last in 1867 by a burgeoning immigrant community, St. Francis de Sales Oratory continues to stand as it was meant to be: a towering point of reference for many parts of the city, a well known landmark, a beacon of hope, and a monument to the dreams of its immigrant founders. With your help, we can make this possible.
In 1908, St. Francis de Sales was blessed in its dedication ceremony by the Archbishop of St. Louis.
1908
Construction started with the laying of the cornerstone of the first church building on September 15, 1867.
1867
Today, we've been blessed with a vibrant community of many young families. Looking to the future, we hope to continue our ongoing restorations here at the Oratory.
2025
In 2005, His Eminence, Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, called our community to serve God here at St. Francis de Sales Oratory.
2005
540
10,600
130
150,000
In 2005, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest became a part of the great Catholic tradition of St. Louis. His Eminence, Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, called our community to serve God here at St. Francis de Sales Oratory.
Since 2005, in the magnificent "Cathedral of South St. Louis," we have served our city in vastly growing numbers, and our vibrant young community of registered families has only continued to grow throughout the years!
the vision for our interior restoration
The restoration of St. Francis de Sales Oratory is not about archiving the past, but about serving the present and future needs of our community, and using the venerable customs of our rich heritage to preserve tradition for tomorrow.
We believe that tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.
Please join us in our mission to restore, preserve, and share the beauty of St. Francis de Sales Oratory - we cannot do it without you!
Your tax-deductible gift to support our capital campaign is
greatly appreciated - the methods of giving are numerous.
Pledges (over a 1-3 year period)
Gifts of Cash
Securities / Stocks
IRA Rollover (or required minimum distribution)
Planned Gifts (consider us in your will)
St. Francis de Sales oratory continues to stand as it was meant to be: a point of reference for many parts of the city, a landmark, a beacon of hope, and a monument to the dreams of its immigrant founders. Its beauty, gleaned from rich traditions of old Europe, is a gift from those who built it to the new generations of Americans to come. Even when dulled by time and neglect, it continues to be a source of inspiration for all.
Photos by Fleur de Lis Portraiture
Videos by Fleur de Lis Films
website and visual media designed & developed by
Elizabeth Ngundue of Fleur de Lis Artistry LLC
+ JMJ +
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The Immaculate Conception
Giovanni Battista TIEPOLO
1767 - 1769. Oil on canvas.