NOLA Ghosts

8. Pere Antoine

New Orleans, LA

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Forever pacing the alleyway which now bears his name, Pere Antoine is one of New Orleans most beloved, and often seen, apparitions. Sent by the crown in 1774 to run the Spanish Inquisition, this Capuchin monk named Antonio de Sedella quickly became known as a great champion of the poor and disadvantaged in his adopted hometown, earning his affectionate nickname, "Pere Antoine". Sightings begin almost immediately after Pere Antoine's death in 1829. Having spent decades ministering to the poor as the pastor of the St. Louis Cathedral, Pere Antoine is still to be found pacing the alleyway between the church and the Presbytere, home of the Capuchin order in New Orleans. He is seen with shaven head, in a long brown robe, wandering peacefully along reading from his prayer book, often escaping the notice of passersby. Most frequently he will appear on quiet mornings, or whenever a dense fog pours into the French Quarter off of the Mississippi River. Those who encounter the good father's spirit generally report a sense of well-being, calm, and compassion filling them. It is said to be a good omen to catch sight of Pere Antoine in his alleyway. A sighting of his spirit is said to foretell glad tidings which are soon to come in to the life of those to whom he appears.