On behalf of the Franciscan Friars and the community of Sacred Heart Church, I
want to extend a warm welcome to you!
Our parish was established in 1860 and was called St. Louis in honor of King Louis IX of France, and in memory of Fr. Luis Cancer. We have grown from the small frame church that was completed in 1859 to
the beautiful church that we have today.
The late 1800's were a difficult time here in Tampa, and the men of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits), were asked to come minister to the people of St. Louis Parish during the time of a terrible Yellow Fever Epidemic in 1888.
When ground was broken for the new church in 1898, the name of the Church and the parish it serves were named Sacred Heart Church. Thus, a seven year long period of construction began. Dedication of the new church took place in 1905.
The Jesuits ministered at Sacred Heart from 1888 until July 2005 when the Franciscan Friars
of Holy Name Province took over the parish.
As downtown Tampa keeps growing, so does Sacred Heart Church. We have a permanent faith community;
we reach out to the business community in town and are always delighted to welcome visitors to the
church.
Please take time to look over our programs and thank you for your interest in Sacred Heart Church!
Please come in and visit us!
Sincerely yours in St. Francis,
Fr. Andrew Reitz, OFM
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