St. Louis de Gonzague Parish / Richibouctou
Established in 1790
First church: 1864
First priest: 1884
Richibucto, along with Saint Charles and Saint Louis parishes, first began in Lardouane (today known as l’Aldouane) where there was a church at the turn of the century. The second church was built where the present Richibucto cemetery is situated. In 1803, while there were 23 families settled at l’Aldouane, there were 24 families at Richibucto.
People from Richibucto continued to attend church at Saint Charles parish in l’Aldouane until 1861. It was then decided that two new churches would be built, one on the upper Saint Charles River and a smaller one in the town of Richibucto. In January 1864, the new church was ready. Parishioners were first served by priests from Saint Louis and also from Saint Charles until 1884.
In 1907 a transept was added by Bishop J.J. McLaughlin to enlarge the church.
Exactly one century later, in 1964, Fr. Évérard Belliveau undertook construction of the present church, an architectural masterpiece which is the pride and joy of parishioners.
A brochure prepared for visitors explains how the church reflects the importance of the fishing industry in this parish.
The roof, in the form of twelve arches, is made of cement and represents the sea. The bell tower is made in the shape of a lighthouse. The stained glass windows, by two Italian craftsmen Mario Mauro and Carlo Mozardo, continue this theme of the sea.
Four sisters of the ‘Filles de Marie-de-l’Assomption’ congregation still live in the convent and dedicate their lives to good works in the parish.