Pilgrims in Louisiana can climb a staircase on their knees, one slow and prayerful step at a time. That sounds intense, and it’s meant to be a thoughtful, deeply personal experience.
The stairs are a replica of the famous Holy Stairs in Rome, a staircase pilgrims have climbed on their knees for centuries. Tradition says Jesus walked up the original steps in Pilate’s palace before his trial.
The site carries the title of national shrine, and it welcomes weekday visitors with a short break at midday. I love that a neighborhood church can offer a real pilgrimage without anyone needing a plane ticket.
I can’t imagine climbing those steps one by one and walking away exactly the same person. So where is this place, and what else waits on the grounds?
You Climb These Steps On Your Knees, Not Your Feet
Kneeling is the whole point here, and it changes how a staircase feels. At St. Ann Church and National Shrine in Metairie, pilgrims climb the Holy Stairs on their knees.
The climb is slow on purpose, and each step gives climbers a moment to pause and pray. Nobody is timing anyone, so there is no pressure to hurry.
Louisiana has many beautiful churches, but few invite visitors to move quite like this. The stairs turn a quiet visit into something you do with your whole body.
Not everyone climbs, and that’s perfectly fine. Visitors can also pray nearby, take in the setting, or simply stand and reflect.
Wear comfortable clothes if you plan to try it. Long pants make kneeling easier, and a calm mindset helps even more.
Think of it as a prayer walk where the walking happens on your knees. That small twist explains why people remember it long after they leave.
Bring patience and leave the checklist at home. The stairs reward quiet attention far more than speed.
A Little Piece Of Rome Right In Metairie
The stairs here are modeled on the Scala Santa, the famous Holy Stairs in Rome. Tradition holds that those Roman steps are the ones Jesus climbed in Pilate’s palace.
Pilgrims have climbed the Roman staircase on their knees for centuries. The Metairie shrine brings that custom much closer to home for Louisiana families.
That’s a big deal if a trip to Italy isn’t in the plans. A short drive in Jefferson Parish can offer a similar act of devotion.
Think of it as a replica with real purpose. It isn’t a museum piece, because people actually use it for prayer.
Many pilgrims bring personal intentions with them. Some pray for family, others for healing, and others simply for peace.
The idea is simple but powerful. Climbing slowly invites you to remember a story rather than just read about it.
A little background before you go helps a lot. Reading a short Gospel passage about the Passion can set the tone.
You don’t need to be an expert in Church history. Curiosity and respect are plenty.
Ready To Plan Your Visit? Start With The Hours
Ready to plan a visit? The shrine sits at 4940 Meadowdale St, Metairie, LA 70006.
Current hours run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM. Saturday and Sunday are listed as closed.
That midday break matters if you’re arriving around lunch. Showing up at noon could leave you waiting until one.
Weekend plans need a backup, since those days are listed as closed. A weekday morning is the easiest fit.
Hours can change, especially around holidays and parish events. A quick call before you leave removes any guesswork.
Metairie sits right next to New Orleans, so the shrine fits easily into a Louisiana trip. Many travelers pair it with other city stops.
Give yourself time to do the stairs without a rush. Thirty minutes is a reasonable minimum for a thoughtful stop.
Also leave time to sit quietly inside the church. Calm moments are half the reason people come.
Plan around the schedule, and the visit feels easy. Ignore it, and you might meet a locked door.
Dress For Kneeling And Pack For Comfort
Knees first, fashion second. A visit to the Holy Stairs is easier when you plan your outfit around the climb.
Long pants or a longer skirt help with comfort on the steps. Modest, simple clothing also fits the spirit of a church visit.
Pick shoes that feel good for standing and walking afterward. Your knees will do the work, but your feet deserve some care.
Louisiana weather can run warm and damp, so bring water for the day. Heat makes any slow activity feel longer.
Keep your phone on silent and tucked away. Pilgrims are praying, and quiet respect keeps the space peaceful for everyone.
If kneeling is hard on your joints, listen to your body. Sitting out the climb is always a sensible choice.
Someone with limited mobility can still enjoy the visit. The church, the grounds, and the quiet are all part of it.
A small notebook can help if you want to jot down a prayer or intention. Plenty of people like having words ready.
Pack light and move gently. That keeps attention on what matters here.
Look Up At The Stained Glass Inside
Look up once you step inside the church, because the stained glass windows deserve attention. Colored light adds a calm glow to the space.
Sacred art is part of worship here, not decoration alone. Each window can prompt a quiet moment of reflection.
I like that a shrine like this can offer both a physical challenge and a restful interior. The stairs wake you up, and the church settles you down.
A church sanctuary gives visitors room to breathe. Even a short sit can feel like a reset button.
Services bring the space to life with prayer and community. Check the parish schedule if you’d like to attend one.
Photos are tempting, but be mindful of anyone praying. Ask a parish staff member about guidelines if you aren’t sure.
Natural light changes through the day, so a morning visit and an afternoon visit can feel different. Both fit within the weekday hours.
Stay a few minutes longer than you planned. Quiet places rarely reveal themselves in a rush.
Then glance back at the windows on the way out. You may notice something new.
Meet The Saint Behind The Name
Who was St. Ann? Catholic tradition honors her as the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus.
That makes her a beloved figure among grandparents and families. Her name gives this parish a warm, family-centered identity.
Her feast day is celebrated on July 26 in the Catholic calendar. Parishes often mark it with special prayers.
The title National Shrine signals a place of special devotion. People come here for prayer, not just for services.
I believe that’s what makes the visit memorable. You aren’t just seeing a building, you’re stepping into a long tradition.
Learn a few basics about her before you go. A short read online will make the experience richer.
Grandparents might enjoy bringing grandchildren along. It’s an easy way to share faith, family stories, and a calm outing.
Younger kids may fidget during the quiet moments. A little preparation about what to expect goes a long way.
Explain the stairs ahead of time in simple words. That way the climb makes sense instead of feeling mysterious.
Ask questions together as you go.
Pair Your Pilgrimage With A Mass
A pilgrimage feels fuller when it connects to worship. St. Ann Church and National Shrine is, first of all, a working Catholic parish.
Mass schedules can change with seasons and feast days. The parish office and official channels share the latest times.
The posted weekend closures may not cover worship times. Confirming Mass times directly is the safest route.
Attending a service gives you a feel for the parish community. Everyone there is simply gathered to pray.
Respectful behavior goes a long way. Arrive a few minutes early, silence your phone, and follow the lead of those around you.
Visitors of any background are generally welcome to sit quietly and observe. Communion follows Catholic guidelines, so watch and listen if you’re unsure.
I like how a church can hold a quiet prayer and a full parish service in the same week. That variety keeps the place feeling alive.
Bringing a friend adds fun to the day. Sharing the experience afterward makes the memory stick.
Afterward, take a slow walk around the grounds. Let the visit settle before you head back to the car.
Faith Shows Up In Groceries, Too
Faith here shows up in groceries, too. St. Ann Church and National Shrine has helped neighbors with food assistance, including around Thanksgiving.
That kind of service gives the shrine a practical side. Prayer and action sit side by side in the same parish.
Anyone in need should contact the parish office during posted hours. Staff can explain what help is available at the moment.
Assistance programs can change, so it helps to ask directly. A friendly call beats guessing.
Visitors can support the work, too. Donations of food or time are good questions to bring to the office.
I love when a landmark gives something back to its neighborhood. Pilgrims arrive for the stairs, and neighbors find help.
St. Ann also has a parish school, which keeps families connected to the community every week. That steady presence shapes the neighborhood.
A visit to the shrine can feel bigger once you notice that. It’s a place for pilgrims and for neighbors alike.
Be kind, be curious, and be mindful of schedules. Weekday visitors should respect school hours and quiet zones.
Small courtesies matter a lot.
Your First-Timer Game Plan For The Holy Stairs
Every first visit goes better with a simple plan. Start with the hours, then choose a weekday window.
Arrive when doors open at nine, or return after the one o’clock reopening. The noon pause is easy to plan around.
Begin at the Holy Stairs while your energy is fresh. Kneeling climbs feel easier before you get tired.
Afterward, spend time inside the church. Let your thoughts settle before you decide what to do next.
Bring a friend or family member if you want company. Shared reflection often leads to better conversation on the drive home.
Respect other visitors and keep your voice low. Pilgrims are focused, and that focus deserves protection.
Louisiana offers famous food, music, and festivals. This shrine offers something different: a quiet staircase and a chance to slow down.
I can’t imagine a more memorable way to end a Metairie day. Few attractions ask you to kneel, think, and breathe.
So pack comfortable clothes, check the hours, and go with an open heart. The stairs are waiting.
Take them slowly, and let the climb do its quiet work. One step at a time is plenty.
Share this story
