No church building in Detroit is older than Ss. Peter and Paul. Its cornerstone dates to 1844, when Bishop Peter Paul Lefevere began construction on this Cathedral for a city of 12,000. As the church kicks off its 175th anniversary year, it celebrates a legacy of extraordinary impact on Detroit, as well as a vibrant and promising future. The parish was entrusted in 1877 to the Jesuits, who, from this base in the city’s heart, developed institutions of learning and service, such as the University of Detroit Mercy, the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Loyola High School and Manresa Retreat House. Detroit parishes such as Gesu, Holy Family and St. Maron also have their roots here. Just steps from the church’s front door is the acclaimed sculpture, Homeless Jesus, signifying both the parish’s long history of service to those in need and the current Pope Francis Center. Today, Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Parish is a young, diverse and welcoming Catholic community, and a sturdy reminder of Detroit’s faith-based roots.
Books will be ready in Summer 2023. Pre-order your copy of Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit: Detroit’s Oldest Church today! Learn more about this parish
that has been engaged in and committed to the revival of Detroit since 1848.
Make sure you get your copy. Contact the parish office TODAY to pre-order. 313.961.8077 x219 or office@ssppjesuit.org
Author Patricia Montemurri (pictured at the Detroit Historical Museum’s Street of Detroit) is an award-winning Detroit journalist who reported for the Detroit Free Press for 37 years. As an author, she specializes in Detroit’s Catholic history and has written four books for the ‘Images of America’ series by Arcadia Publishing.