In 1815 a war was raging between the British and the United States. British troops were very near the City of New Orleans.
The Ursuline nuns, whose Order had established itself in New Orleans in 1727, prayed for safety of the City. Following the defeat of the British they made a promise that every year on January 8 a Mass of Thanksgiving would be held in the Ursuline chapel and the "Te Deum" would be sung as they had sung it on that day in 1815, giving thanks to Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The Archbishop of New Orleans presides over the Mass.
Archbishop Hughes is the presider in the middle. On the right are Archbishop Philip Hannan of New Orleans (Ret.), New Orleans Auxiliary Bishop Carmen, New Orleans Auxiliary Bishop Roger Morin, Baton Rouge Bishop Robert Meunch, St. Joseph's Abbey Abbot Justin Brown and Auxiliary Bishop Designate Fabre.