In 1844, Pauline Perdrau, a young French novice, painted a representation of Mary on the wall of Trinita de Monti, the Sacred Heart Convent in Rome.

Sacred Heart of Mary Church rolls out its weekend festival with a Polka Mass as parishioners say goodbye to their 125-year-old school, closed recently due to declining enrollment.

For generations Most Pure Heart of Mary Church has served Mobile's black Catholic community. Its school has many prominent graduates, including Alexis Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor. And ...