Mater Dolorosa Catholic School

Mater Dolorosa Catholic School was established in 1921 by a Spanish priest, Father John Ayuela, in collaboration with the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary’s in New Orleans. The school was instituted due to the influx of Sicilian immigrants, who established family roots through farming the land, and the town began to flourish with families. A free Catholic Education was provided to 240 boys and girls enrolled in grades 1- 4 at its inception.

Through the years, the Sicilian immigrants began to explore other occupations; however, the Independence area, along with many parts of Tangipahoa Parish, is still known as one of the largest farming communities in Louisiana. The farms today mainly employ Hispanic migrant workers. These workers, just like the Sicilians in 1921, have begun to establish family roots in the area. It is evident through flourishing Hispanic mass attendance that these families are also deep-rooted in their Catholic faith. In 2022, an equitization of fund costs allowed Mater Dolorosa Catholic School to become a viable option for 31 Hispanic children in the Diocese of Baton Rouge who reside in Tangipahoa Parish, therefore increasing our enrollment from 134 to 165 students.

Just as Mater Dolorosa’s mission began to provide a Catholic, academically excellent education to the Sicilian immigrant children, today, our mission is to form students in Jesus Christ, instill strong leadership qualities, and promote academic growth and excellence. Our passion is to permanently remain a stable and viable Catholic schooling option for all families in Tangipahoa Parish.