Rosary House, Inc., More than a Tourist Destination.

Each year, thousands of tourists flock to New Iberia to see the beautiful
ante-bellum homes and gardens, sample Cajun food, and visit first hand
the factories where thier favorite seasonings are made. But there is another
destination that attracts visitors here. Insired by deep religious values,
people come from far and near to Rosary House, which has a world-wide
reputation as the South's largest source of religious articles.



The business began in September of 1946 when founder Robert D. Minvielle
noticed a market niche furnishing religious articles to South Louisiana's
large Catholic population. Back then, the store was located in the 200
block of East Main Street. The early years found a handful of employees
manufacturing rosaries and supplying other religious goods which Minvielle
sold from the trunk of his car. The high demand for quality religious articles
encouraged Rosary House to offer more religious articles for sale. As the
business grew, the adjacent building was annexed. But Rosary House soon
required still larger quarters to house the huge inventory of items,
and to support the manufacture of rosaries and devotional candles.










Mr. Minvielle moved Rosary House to its present location at 200 Ann St. in 1956.
The candle manufacturing facility is located across the street.


A Religious Department Store
Over the years, manufacturing rosaries has been the mainstay of the
business. Rosary House has registered a trademark for their handmade
rosaries: Ave Maria. Some of the ladies who assemble these were among
the firm's original employees. Depending on the materials used, these
rosaries retail for $45.00 to $225.00.










This unique Acadiana institution is referred to as a "religious
department store" by Minvielle. Rosary House still offers "lagniappe"
(something extra) to their customers and, particularly, to the
children who come in. A popular attraction is the bargain or
"close-out" tables with extremely low prices for items that
Rosary House has purchased in bulk quantities or at a discount.



The wholesale store occupies a full line of church furnishings, including
prie-Dieus (upholstered kneelers used for praying). The company also offers
crucifixes and custom made vestments for priests.



The Catholic Information Source
Rosary House also serves as an informal news and information center
for Caholic ativities and events in the Acadiana area. Copies of
popular novenas and detailed maps to retreat centers and area churches
are always available. Rosary House employees are often called on for
directions to special Masses, church events, and the shrine honoring
Charlene Marie Richard.



Tour busses frequently include Rosary House on their list of stops while
visiting New Iberia. The arrival of a busload of visitors is a special
event, with the stores employees extending a "Cajun" welcome which includes
coffee and doughnuts for everyone.



Most of the employees are deeply involved in the Catholic Church. Many have
expressed appreciation for having such a job which allows them to serve
their companions in prayer. This attitude of service to others reflects the
high level of customer satisfaction that Rosary House enjoys.










 Your One Source For Religious Articles 



Crucifixes



Our selection is immense, from small enough for a baby's bracelet
to large enough for a church sanctuary. Many are imported from Italy and other
parts of Europe. Nickel, sterling silver, gold filled, wood, compsite,
inlay, ebony, and acrylic are some of the types you'll see.



Votive Candle Holders and Stands



You'll find both large and small in assorted colors for small altars, special
prayer places or gravesite memorials.



Rosaries



We offer a choice of crystal, mother-of-pearl, sterling silver, coco,
wood, silver, and gold filled, aurora borealis, birthstone, rose petal
and semi precious beads. Fine, meticulously hand-crafted sterling rosaries
made of imported crystal and fire polished beads make a wonderful gift.
You can have one custom hand made, select one off the shelf, or buy
the supplies and make one yourself.



Religious Jewelry



Gift boxed chain and medal sets are available in materials from
quality nickel, to 14kt gold and almost everything in between. Most
popular Catholic religious themes and saints are represented.



Religious Statues



Choose from our grand assortment of statues from 2" to 42", indoor,
outdoor, home, car, or church; from practical to exquisite. These
statues are made in a variety of materials, including alabaster,
ceramic, percelain, plaster, resin, composite, marble, wood and pewter.
Many are hand painted by European artists.



Pictures, Plaques, Monastery Icons, Prints and Holy Cards



Many Saints, historical religious themes, and inspirational prayers
for life's occasions are featured in these works. Traditional and
Renaissance artist reproductions as well as modern art presentations
are available.



Church Appointments and Supplies



We have an excellent collection of memorial gifts suitable for giving
to churches in memory of loved ones. Liturgical vessels, articles for
celebrating Mass and church fixtures are among the items we offer.










Our retail store also caters to Protestant religious needs, offering
a wide range of literature and gifts.