Bayou Catholic Magazine Summer 2025

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BISHOP ELECT

SIMON PETER ENGURAIT

A $100M+ Investment in Your Well-Being

Sports Complex – Built to NCAA standards; includes a multi-purpose field with 8-lane track, tennis courts, beach volleyball and outdoor basketball court.

Fitness Center – State-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and programs, aquatics, gymnasium and more; Certified and a top-ranked facility in the nation by the Medical Fitness Association; More than 1M visits since opening.

Playground & Education Initiative – Addressing childhood obesity through nutrition education and new playground equipment for numerous area elementary schools.

Sports – Keeping athletes safe by providing athletic trainers in high schools as well as Nicholls State University; Helping athletes grow and excel in sports through formation of competitive youth volleyball and swim teams.

Wellness Education – Numerous and expanding programs for individuals and families on subjects like nutrition, weight management, diabetes, CPR and more.

WellFit – Integrating wellness into clinical care to address specific health conditions like cancer, orthopaedic conditions, chronic pain and diabetes.

BISHOP-ELECT

Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Bevi Fontenot

WRITER AND CONTENT

Joe O’Sullivan

DESIGNERS

Alaina Maiorana

Connor Mabile

BUSINESS MANAGER

Bill Barbera

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST

Rebecca Thibodeaux

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle LeBlanc

Lacie Picou

Keely Diebold

Rebecca Abboud

JJ Hussem

Fr. Patrick Riviere

Megan Hartman

Dr. Mark Williams

Julie Bernard Robichaux

Brennan Garriques

PHOTOGRAPHER

Serdave Duncan

EMAIL US: communications@htdiocese.org

ONLINE bayoucatholic.org

Pope Leo XIV: A New Pope, A New Era

Covering the Early Founders and Leaders for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

for a Future of

and Okra Gumbo

SQUEEZING LEMONS, SERVING CHRIST

The Children’s Chapter of the Women’s Giving Circle

and Holy Leisure

Entrusting

ANNIVERSARIES Celebrating our Parishes and Priests

WELCOMING BISHOP-ELECT SIMON PETER ENGURAIT

After over 16 months of expectant waiting, the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux rejoice at the naming of our new shepherd: Bishop-Elect Simon Peter Engurait.

During a recent press conference, Bishop-Elect Simon Peter stood before the faithful and, with sincere honesty, admitted, “I’m at a loss for words.” That sentiment echoed throughout his heartfelt address, revealing both the weight and wonder of this sacred call. Recalling the unexpected phone call from the Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, he shared, “I was shocked… and profoundly humbled.” Like the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation, Bishop-Elect Simon Peter described feeling “the weight of unworthiness and the mystery of a call far greater than anything I could have imagined or prepared for.”

Despite the initial shock, his response was marked by humility: “I did not expect this, I did not seek it, and certainly, I did not deserve it. Nonetheless, I place my trust in the one who calls. Be it done unto me according to your word.”

Bishop-Elect Simon Peter went on to thank Pope Leo XIV for choosing him–not from outside the diocese, but from among its own priests. He gave thanks for the many individuals who formed and guided him, especially Bishop Sam Jacobs, who accepted him into the diocese and later ordained him a priest. He offered heartfelt gratitude to the late Msgr. Francis LeJeune, who welcomed him to South Louisiana with open arms and introduced him to the beauty of bayou life.

“I was driven up and down the bayous so much,” he

recalled with a smile, “that in six months I knew the diocese better than some of my brother seminarians who were born here.”

Bishop-Elect Simon Peter also paid tribute to his homeland of Uganda, to the Diocese of Soroti, the Archdiocese of Kampala, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and the Ugandan government, which funded his undergraduate and graduate education. “I carry all this in my heart as I step into this new mission,” he said.

Bishop-Elect Simon Peter’s deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was particularly inspiring. He shared how he entrusts this new chapter of his ministry to both Our Lady of Prompt Succor, so beloved in South Louisiana, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, a maternal figure who comforts those “who carry burdens and walk with quiet strength.” Echoing her words to St. Juan Diego, he reminded the faithful of her encouragement: “Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy?”

Speaking directly to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, he pledged, “I promise to listen, to learn, and will labor with you and for you… I love you, and I consider it a great honor to serve as your next bishop.”

He also spoke with great affection to the people of St. Bridget Catholic Church, where he has served as pastor for the past eight years. “You have taught me how to serve as a shepherd, to lead as a father, and to love as a priest of Jesus Christ,” he said. “I will forever cherish my time with you.”

Quoting St. Augustine, whose feast day he shares as his birthday, he humbly remarked, “For you I am a bishop, but with you I am a Christian. The first is an office accepted; the second is a gift received.”

In response to a question about what brings him the greatest joy, Bishop-Elect Simon Peter didn’t hesitate: “Celebrating Mass.” From his childhood near the bishop’s house in Uganda to the altar of St. Bridget, the Eucharist has been his life’s anchor. “Since I was ordained, I’m glad that I’ve not missed a day celebrating Mass.”

Looking ahead, Bishop-Elect Simon Peter named two pastoral priorities close to his heart: reaching out to young people, and ministering to the poor

and vulnerable. “Poverty is bearable in a poor country,” he noted. “But in a wealthy country, it bites hard.” He hopes for renewed and strengthened initiatives for those suffering in our own communities.

With honesty and vulnerability, he also asked the faithful for patience. “You know me–you know my strengths, you know my weaknesses… I hope we can grow together.”

As we prepare to welcome Bishop-Elect Simon Peter into his new role, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux gives thanks for his witness, his wisdom, and his unwavering “yes.”

Let us continue to pray for him as he steps forward with courage, surrender, and love. As he prayed with the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Take, Lord, and receive… All is Yours. Dispose of it wholly according to Your will.”

SAVE THE DATE

The Episcopal Ordination and Installation Mass for Bishop-Elect Simon Peter Engurait is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.

I PROMISE

TO LISTEN,

TO LEARN, AND WILL LABOR WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. ” “

Bienvenida al Obispo Electo Simon Peter Engurait

Después de más de 16 meses de espera, el pueblo de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux se regocija con el nombramiento de nuestro nuevo pastor: El Obispo Electo Simon Peter Engurait.

Durante una reciente conferencia de prensa, el Obispo Electo Simon Peter se presentó ante los fieles y, con sincera honestidad, admitió: «No tengo palabras». Ese sentimiento resonó a lo largo de su sentido discurso, revelando tanto el peso como la maravilla de esta sagrada llamada. Recordando la inesperada llamada telefónica del Nuncio Apostólico, el Cardenal Christophe Pierre, compartió: «Me quedé impactado... y profundamente humilde». Al igual que la Santísima Virgen María en la Anunciación, el obispo electo Simón Pedro describió que sintió «el peso de la indignidad y el misterio de una llamada mucho más grande que cualquier cosa que pudiera haber imaginado o para la que pudiera haberme preparado».

A pesar de la conmoción inicial, su respuesta estuvo marcada por la humildad: “No lo esperaba, no lo buscaba y, desde luego, no lo merecía. Sin embargo, confío en quien me llama. Hágase en mí según tu palabra”.

El obispo electo Simón Pedro dio las gracias al Papa León XIV por haberle elegido, no fuera de la diócesis, sino entre sus propios sacerdotes. Dio las gracias a las muchas personas que le han formado y guiado, especialmente al obispo Sam Jacobs, que le aceptó en la diócesis y más tarde le ordenó sacerdote.

Expresó su gratitud al difunto monseñor Francis LeJeune, que le acogió en el sur de Luisiana con los brazos abiertos y lo introdujo en la belleza de la vida de los bayous.

«Me llevaron tanto por los bayous», recordó con una sonrisa, «que en seis meses conocía la diócesis mejor que algunos de mis hermanos seminaristas nacidos aquí».

El obispo electo Simon Peter también rindió homenaje a su patria, Uganda, a la diócesis de Soroti, a la archidiócesis de Kampala, a la Renovación Carismática Católica y al gobierno ugandés, que financió su educación universitaria y de posgrado. «Llevo todo esto en mi corazón al entrar en esta nueva misión», dijo.

La profunda devoción del obispo electo Simon Peter a la Santísima Virgen María fue especialmente inspiradora. Compartió cómo confía este nuevo capítulo de su ministerio tanto a Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro, tan querida en el sur de Luisiana, como a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, una figura maternal que consuela a aquellos «que llevan cargas y caminan con fuerza tranquila». Haciendo eco de las palabras de San Juan Diego, recordó a los fieles su aliento: “¿No estáis bajo mi sombra y protección? ¿No soy yo la fuente de vuestra alegría?”.

Dirigiéndose directamente al pueblo de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux, prometió: «Prometo escuchar, aprender y trabajar con ustedes y por ustedes... Los amo y considero un gran honor servir como su próximo obispo».

También se dirigió con gran afecto a los fieles de la iglesia católica de Santa Brígida, donde ha sido párroco durante los últimos ocho años. «Me han enseñado a servir como un pastor, a dirigir como un padre y a amar como un sacerdote de Jesucristo», dijo. «Siempre apreciaré el tiempo que pasé con ustedes».

Citando a San Agustín, cuya fiesta comparte con la de su cumpleaños, comentó humildemente: “Para ustedes soy obispo, pero con ustedes soy cristiano. Lo primero es un oficio aceptado; lo segundo es un don recibido”.

A la pregunta sobre lo que le produce mayor alegría, el obispo electo Simón Pedro no dudó: «Celebrar la misa». Desde su infancia cerca de la casa episcopal en Uganda hasta el altar de Santa Brígida, la Eucaristía ha sido el ancla de su vida. «Desde que me ordené, me alegro de no haber faltado ni un solo día a la celebración de la Misa».

De cara al futuro, el obispo electo Simon Peter mencionó dos prioridades pastorales cercanas a su corazón: llegar a los jóvenes y atender a los pobres y vulnerables. «La pobreza es soportable en un país pobre», señaló. «Pero en un país rico, muerde con fuerza». Espera que se renueven y refuercen las iniciativas en favor de los que sufren en nuestras propias comunidades.

Con honestidad y vulnerabilidad, también pidió paciencia a los fieles. «Me conocen: conocen mis puntos fuertes, conocen mis puntos débiles... Espero que podamos crecer juntos».

Mientras nos preparamos para dar la bienvenida al Obispo Electo Simon Peter en su nuevo cargo, la Diócesis de HoumaThibodaux da gracias por su testimonio, su sabiduría y su inquebrantable «sí».

Sigamos rezando por él mientras avanza con valentía, entrega y amor. Como él rezó con las palabras de San Ignacio de Loyola: “Toma, Señor, y recibe... Todo es tuyo. Dispón de ello enteramente según Tu voluntad”.

RESERVE LA FECHA

La Misa de Ordenación Episcopal e Instalación del Obispo Electo Simon Peter Engurait está programada para el viernes 5 de septiembre de 2025. Más detalles en www.htdiocese.org y en nuestras redes sociales diocesanas.

Chào mừng

Đức Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter Engurait

Sau hơn 16 tháng chờ đợi trong hy vọng, giáo dân Giáo phận Houma-Thibodaux vui mừng khi được bổ nhiệm vị mục tử mới: Đức Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter Engurait.

Trong một cuộc họp báo gần đây, Đức Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter đã đứng trước các tín hữu và, với sự chân

thành trung thực, thừa nhận rằng, “Tôi không biết nói gì.” Tình cảm đó vang vọng trong suốt bài phát biểu chân

thành của ngài, cho thấy cả sức nặng và sự kỳ diệu của lời kêu gọi thiêng liêng này. Nhắc lại cuộc gọi điện thoại bất ngờ từ Sứ thần Tòa thánh, Hồng y Christophe Pierre, ngài chia sẻ, “Tôi đã bị sốc... và vô cùng khiêm nhường.”

Giống như Đức Trinh Nữ Maria trong Lễ Truyền tin, Đức

Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter đã mô tả cảm giác “gánh nặng của sự bất xứng và sự bí ẩn của một lời kêu gọi lớn hơn nhiều so với bất kỳ điều gì tôi có thể tưởng tượng hoặc chuẩn bị.”

Bất chấp cú sốc ban đầu, phản ứng của ngài được đánh dấu bằng sự khiêm nhường: “Tôi không mong đợi điều này, tôi không tìm kiếm nó, và chắc chắn, tôi không xứng đáng với nó. Tuy nhiên, tôi đặt niềm tin vào Đấng đã mời gọi. Xin hãy thực hiện cho tôi theo lời Ngài.”

Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter tiếp tục cảm ơn Đức

Thánh Cha Lê-ô thứ XIV vì đã chọn ngài - không phải từ bên ngoài giáo phận, mà từ chính các linh mục của giáo phận. Ngài cảm ơn nhiều cá nhân đã đào tạo và hướng dẫn ngài, đặc biệt là Giám mục Sam Jacobs, người đã chấp nhận ngài vào giáo phận và sau đó truyền chức linh mục cho ngài. Ngài bày tỏ lòng biết ơn chân thành đến cố Đức ông Francis LeJeune, người đã chào đón ngài đến

Nam Louisiana cách chân thành và giới thiệu cho ngài vẻ

đẹp của cuộc sống trên bayou.

“Tôi đã lái xe qua lại các đầm lầy rất nhiều”, ngài đã gợi

lại với một nụ cười, “đến nỗi trong sáu tháng, tôi đã biết giáo phận này rõ hơn một số anh em chủng sinh của tôi sinh ra ở đây.”

Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter cũng bày tỏ lòng tri ân đối với quê hương Uganda, Giáo phận Soroti, Tổng giáo phận Kampala, Phong trào Công giáo Canh tân Đặc sủng, và chính phủ Uganda, tài trợ cho chương trình học tốt nghiệp đại học và ngay sau đại học của ngài. Đức cha tân cử nói. “Tôi mang tất cả những điều này trong tim khi bước vào sứ mệnh mới này.”

Lòng sùng kính sâu đậm Đức Trinh Nữ Maria của Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter đặc biệt đã truyền cảm hứng. Ngài chia sẻ cách ngài phó thác chương sử mới này trong công việc mục vụ của mình cho cả Đức Mẹ Cứu Giúp, rất được mộ mến ở Nam Louisiana, và Đức Mẹ Guadalupe, một hình ảnh người mẹ an ủi những ai “mang gánh nặng và bước đi với sức mạnh thầm lặng.” Lặp lại lời của Đức Mẹ với Thánh Juan Diego, ngài nhắc nhở các tín hữu về sự khích lệ của Mẹ: “Các con không ở dưới bóng và sự bảo vệ của Mẹ sao? Mẹ không phải là nguồn vui của các con sao?”

Phát biểu trực tiếp với giáo dân Giáo phận HoumaThibodaux, ngài đã cam kết, “Tôi hứa sẽ lắng nghe, học hỏi và sẽ làm việc cùng anh chị em và vì anh chị em... Tôi yêu mến anh chị em và tôi coi đó là vinh dự lớn lao khi được phục vụ với tư cách là giám mục tiếp theo của anh chị em.”

Đức cha tân cử cũng đã nói chuyện với tình cảm sâu sắc với giáo dân giáo xứ công giáo St. Bridget, nơi ngài đã phục vụ với tư cách là cha sở trong tám năm qua. “Anh chị em đã dạy tôi cách phục vụ như một người chăn chiên, cách lãnh đạo như một người cha, và cách yêu thương như một linh mục của Chúa Giêsu Kitô”, ngài nói.

“Tôi sẽ mãi mãi trân trọng thời gian của mình với anh chị em.”

Trích dẫn Thánh Augustinô, vị thánh có ngày lễ mà

Đức cha chia sẻ là ngày sinh của mình, ngài khiêm tốn nhận xét, “Đối với anh em, tôi là một giám mục, nhưng với anh em, tôi là một Kitô hữu. Đầu tiên là một chức vụ được chấp nhận; thứ hai là một món quà đã nhận.”

Để trả lời câu hỏi về điều gì mang lại cho ngài niềm vui lớn nhất, Đức Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter đã không ngần ngại: “Cử hành Thánh lễ.”

Từ thời thơ ấu của mình gần nhà giám mục ở Uganda đến bàn thờ của nhà thờ Thánh Bridget, Bí tích Thánh Thể đã là điểm tựa cho cuộc sống của ngài. “Kể từ khi được thụ phong, tôi rất vui vì không bỏ lỡ một ngày nào cử hành Thánh lễ.”

Nhìn về phía trước, Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter đã nêu ra hai ưu tiên mục vụ gần gũi với trái tim mình: tiếp cận những người trẻ tuổi và phục vụ những người nghèo và dễ bị tổn thương. Ngài lưu ý

“Nghèo đói có thể chịu đựng được ở một quốc gia nghèo.” “Nhưng ở một quốc gia giàu có, nó cắn rứt mạnh.” Ngài hy vọng các sáng kiến được đổi mới và tăng cường cho những người đang đau khổ trong cộng đồng của chúng ta.

Với sự trung thực và dễ bị tổn thương, ngài cũng yêu cầu các tín đồ kiên nhẫn. “Anh chị em biết tôi - các bạn biết điểm mạnh của tôi, các bạn biết điểm yếu của tôi... Tôi hy vọng chúng ta có thể cùng nhau phát triển.”

Trong khi chúng ta chuẩn bị chào đón Đức Giám mục tân cử Simon Peter vào vai trò mới, Giáo phận Houma-Thibodaux cảm tạ vì chứng tá, sự khôn ngoan và lời “xin vâng” không lay chuyển của ngài.

Chúng ta hãy tiếp tục cầu nguyện cho ngài khi ngài bước tới với lòng can đảm, đầu hàng và tình yêu. Như ngài đã cầu nguyện với lời của Thánh Ignatius of Loyola: “Lạy Chúa, xin hãy nhận lấy... Mọi sự đều thuộc về Chúa. Xin hãy xử lý hoàn toàn theo ý muốn của Chúa.”

LƯU NGÀY TRONG LỊCH

Thánh lễ tấn phong và nhậm chức Giám mục cho Đức Tân Cử Giám mục Simon Peter Engurait được lên lịch vào thứ Sáu, ngày 5 tháng 9 năm 2025. Thông tin chi tiết sẽ được đăng tải tại www. htdiocese.org và trên các kênh truyền thông xã hội của Giáo phận.

HABEMUS PAPAM!

POPE LEO XIV: A NEW POPE, A NEW ERA

It’s not often that a Chicago White Sox fan becomes the Pope of the Catholic Church, but if you were around when Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope on May 8, 2025, you know that’s exactly what happened.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pope in history (and the first Augustinian religious order priest to become a pope). He was raised in a devout Catholic household as the youngest of three boys, and growing up, his family life was steeped in faith. His father was a Catholic school superintendent, and his mother was a parish librarian. He was often surrounded by priests at the dinner table, sharing in faith filled conversation. At a very young age, Robert felt the call to become a priest.

Robert would go on to attend Villanova University in Philadelphia where he majored in mathematics. In 1977, shortly after university studies, he entered the Augustinian order to officially become a priest. Following his ordination in 1982, he would leave home in America to serve as a missionary priest in Peru where he would remain for many years. It was there that the character of the man started to shine through: he lived among the people and served as a pastor in poor ‘barrios’ (neighborhoods), and even acted a local judicial vicar (church judge) in the Archdiocese of Trujillo. He became fluent in Spanish and grew to be deeply loved by the locals, who knew him warmly as “Padre Roberto.”

By 1999, he was chosen to lead the entire worldwide Augustinian community, serving two terms as the Prior General. His personal humility and holiness, combined with his administrative skill, made him an excellent leader and an obvious choice for further Church leadership in the future. In 2014, Pope Francis asked him to become a bishop in Peru, where he went on to serve as the Bishop of Chiclayo for 8 years, from 2015-2023. When he was there, he became known for his approachable, down-to-earth style–an echo of how his former days in Chicago where he was affectionately called “Father Bob.”

In early 2023, Bishop Prevost was called to Rome where he was entrusted by Pope Francis with one of the most critical roles in the Church: Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops, overseeing the selection of Bishops worldwide. With ties to South Louisiana through is maternal grandparents, one can safely presume that he was well aware of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and their need for a new Bishop to be named.

As a Cardinal, he participated actively in major Church events, and was often seen as a bridgebuilder between different cultures and viewpoints in the Church. This quality likely contributed to his swift choice as Pope, despite many other other “frontrunners” being considered far more likely to be named as the new Pope.

Pope Leo XIV is widely known as a gentle, softspoken, and prayerful person. His first words as Pope were “Peace be with you all!”

In his early days as Pope, Leo XIV has focused on a handful of themes, which include unity and peace in the world, and a desire for a united Church, which he views as “leaven for a reconciled world.” His focus on family and prayer encourages parishes to view themselves as missionary parishes that open their arms to all in need.

His encouraging words and personal example are already inspiring many. He carries forward Pope Francis’ mission of extending God’s mercy to the entire world, with his own gentle style rooted in St. Augustine’s call to “unity in the one Christ.” His motto as the Pope, “In Ilo Uno Unum” (“In the One, One Together), mirrors Jesus’ desire for our lives that we all live as one family in Christ.

United in faith and love, let us pray for our new Pope!

IN ILO UNO UNUM IN THE ONE, ONE TOGETHER

HOUMA-THIBODAUX DIOCESE CELEBRATES 48 YEARS

COVERING THE EARLY FOUNDERS AND LEADERS FOR THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX

MICHELLE LEBLANC

is the Archivist of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. The Archives and Records Center contains the diocese’s historical records and maintains school and church records for the diocese. For questions or further research, please email archives@htdiocese.org.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was formed by the hard-won activities of certain priests, Archdiocesan administration, an incoming tireless bishop, and most importantly, the Catholic faithful. The extensive work of Msgr. John L. Newfield, Archbishops Cody and Hannan, Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Jean Jadot (of Zuri), and the Special Assistant to the Apostolic Delegate, Msgr. Clemente Faccani were responsible for helping to lay the groundwork for the diocese that was formed in 1977 The diocese wouldn’t have been formed had the Pope, Paul VI, not declared Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux, our founding Bishop. Bishop Boudreaux, an active participant in Vatican II, was the very spirit of the church that the Pope wanted to spread across the world. Bishop Boudreaux desired only to serve the people and to work with the Catholic faithful of this region to become a more active part of their faith by ministering to others and share their faith with everyone.

HOW THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX FORMED

The tri-parish area of Houma-Thibodaux-Morgan City saw real growth and development in “farming, fishing, and petroleum” in the 1960s and 1970s. The population grew because of the oil industry and the large number of jobs and people it drew in this area. The Archbishop of New Orleans, John Patrick Cody, responded by adding more and more churches to this area adding three in one year: Annunziata, Maria Immacolata, and St. Gregory Barbarigo. The story that the archbishop chose these locations from a helicopter because of developing neighborhoods that gave the people needed for each church to thrive may not be true, but the Archdiocese was heavily investing in this area at least two decades before the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was formed. From 1952 until 1971, the diocese expanded with the addition of 16 churches (a little more than one third of today’s churches) came from this build-up of churches.

Msgr. John Newfield declared that there are four reasons for the formation of Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The first reason was the “principle of subsidiarity,” which is the idea that a small group is more effectively governed when it governs itself. So, why shouldn’t the Bayou region be responsible for itself with its growing presence? Secondly, Msgr. Newfield stated that Vatican II called for more people to step forward and increase their involvement in the Church, and with over 100,000 Catholics, that would make possible a “greater involvement of the People of God in religion, in justice, and in charity.” Thirdly, Msgr. Newfield cited our unique culture as another reason that we the Diocese of Houma-

Thibodaux should be formed. Lastly, he stated that the “development of the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese” can only come from such an establishment if it truly seeks to increase the “greater spiritual good” of the local church and its peoples.

In September 1971, Archbishop Hannan sent out a letter concerning the nomination of candidates for the office of Bishop. This “confidential consultation” gave the Tri-Parish area a chance to “consider the needs of this Southeast Louisiana part of the State of Louisiana” and led to the idea of “possibilities and probabilities in the Tri-Parish area.” In January 1973, the Terrebonne Deanery Clergy submitted an action report on the idea of selecting Bishop candidates. The report “proposed that the Terrebonne Deanery have input in regard to the selection of a Bishop for this Tri-Parish area” and included a “description of the type of individual who is suited to serve in this area.”

In 1973, Archbishop Jadot, the Apostolic Delegate for the United States, came to our area shortly after his new assignment. Archbishop Jadot toured the HoumaThibodaux area in spring of 1974 to determine the needs of the area.

In the spring of 1976, the Special Assistant to the Apostolic Delegate, Msgr. Clemente Faccani came to this area to “study the question of a new Diocese in the Tri-Parish Community.” He visited Archbishop Hannan in New Orleans on Easter Sunday before going down Bayou Lafourche all the way to Grand Isle on Monday. By Monday night, he stayed in Thibodaux, before visiting Thibodaux and Morgan City and Assumption Civil Parish. On Wednesday, he visited Terrebonne Civil Parish and by then he had “visited every church.” At noon on the same day, he addressed the Priests of the of the Tri-Parish area at a luncheon at St. Francis de Sales Church Rectory before attending a “Business Men” meeting in the Community dinner meeting as a guest. Thursday, he flew over lower Terrebonne Parish, on the way to meeting Bishop Gerald Frey in Lafayette. Frey was previously a priest at St. Francis de Sales. He flew to Baton Rouge on Thursday to meet with Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan, before he headed to Biloxi on Friday, and returned to Washington after that. While no one can attest to what swayed Faccani’s opinion in favor of Houma-Thibodaux, within a year of his visit, Pope Paul VI announced the formation of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

From there, our Diocese was formed and grew into what it is today, allowing the local church and Catholics to flourish and grow in their faith as fully as possible. It’s with this special history lesson of our Diocese that we celebrate the 48th Anniversary of its founding.

POPE FRANCIS THE POPE OF MERCY

When Pope Francis first became pope in 2013, his first message to the Universal Church was a request: “pray for me.” It was a moment that showed the world who Pope Francis was, and what the heart of his papacy would be focused on–a papacy marked by humility, mercy, and service to the poor.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis is the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to become the Pope. Before entering seminary, he worked as a janitor and a chemist, lived through intense political turmoil in his home country, and eventually became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He was known for riding the bus (and avoiding the chauffeur), while maintaining simple and austere living quarters. He also became a frequent visitor of the poorest neighborhoods in Argentina. People quickly realized that he had a heart for the poor.

In looking back on his life and his leadership, he lived out the motto of his papacy faithfully: Miserando atque eligendo (Latin for “by having mercy and by choosing”). That was his motto, and that’s what he lived.

From his earliest days as pope, Francis tended to return to one message more than any other: God never tires of showing us mercy. It’s only we who tire of asking for it. This was clear when, in 2016, he declared an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, inviting the whole world to experience the profound mercy of God in their lives. He would go on to declare 2025 as an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Hope. Pope Francis desired strongly for his flock to experience God’s abundant mercy.

Pope Francis didn’t just talk the talk when it came to mercy, he also walked the walk. Just weeks after his election as Pope, on Holy Thursday night, he decided to wash the feet of

prisoners—which included men, women, Christians, and Muslims—in a powerful gesture of humility towards our neighbor, regardless of their gender, status, or religion. In the Gospels, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor–regardless of their state in life. Pope Francis lived this.

In the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, where our communities know hardship all too well, Pope Francis’s constant invitation to receive God’s mercy is a reminder that God never abandons us, and He is always ready to give us as much mercy and love as we’re capable of receiving. We have only to ask.

Of course, Pope Francis also encouraged us to spread that mercy.

The Gospel demands that we care for the least among us – the impoverished, the vulnerable, and the forgotten, and Pope Francis lived that out too. Early in his pontificate, he visited the Italian island of Lampedusa to mourn the loss of migrants who drowned at sea in their attempt to flee from their home country so they could live a better life. It saddened him that the world had forgotten them and that they had no one to grieve their loss from the world. He condemned the “globalization of indifference,” an admonishment that encourages us all to be present to those who surround us on a daily basis.

In his first encyclical, Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”), Pope Francis called on Catholics to rediscover the joy of knowing Jesus and to share that joy with others. He encouraged us to resist the tendency to become joyless rule keepers, and instead, invited all in the Church to be transformed by the personal love of Jesus Christ for us, and to share that joy with others.

Pope Francis’ papacy showed us that God never tires of giving us his mercy, that we should care for the poor, the impoverished, and the vulnerable, and that no one ever walks alone.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may he rest in peace.

ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO REST GRANT UNTO HIM, GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE LORD, AND MAY HE REST AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL ETERNAL REST ETERNAL REST GRANT ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO

REST GRANT UNTO HIM, GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE LORD, AND MAY HE REST MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL ETERNAL

UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE

ETERNAL REST GRANT O LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST LORD, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HE REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O REST IN PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND PEACE. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE

ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND MAY HE REST

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE OUR CHOICE TO SAY YES TO LIFE

is the Development & Technology Director at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School. She lives in Houma, LA with her family and is a parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.

My husband, Ryan, and I are blessed to have been raised in faith-driven families. Both of us attended Catholic schools, where we learned not only academics but also the values that would shape our hearts and guide our choices, including a wholehearted embrace of the truth that every life is a gift. Those lessons were no longer just ideals in the fall of 2004. That’s when we were faced with one of the most important decisions of our lives, choosing life for our own family.

Shortly after getting married, we were surprised with the news that a baby was on the way. Although we had only been husband and wife for a short time, we embarked on this unexpected gift with excitement, knowing it would be the beginning of our greatest adventure together. Around 10 weeks into the pregnancy, something didn’t feel quite right. Trusting my instincts, I made an appointment with my doctor. After the initial visit, I was sent to another floor of the building for further testing. I called Ryan and asked him to meet me; I knew something was off.

The ultrasound revealed concerns. The doctors suspected our son, Peyton, had Arthrogryposis, a condition characterized by joint contractures and stiffness in two or more areas of the body. They recommended an amniocentesis to confirm the diagnosis. A week later, it was official.

We were quickly ushered into a whirlwind of consultations. A team of medical professionals laid it all out on the table and prepared us for a broad spectrum of possibilities, from the best-case scenarios to the worstcase scenarios. Among those options, spoken almost clinically, was the choice to terminate the pregnancy.

Nothing can truly prepare you for that kind of moment. The fear of the unknown, the weight of risking your health for the life of another, the overwhelming uncertainty of what is the right choice. But for Ryan and me, there was no choice to make. Life was the only answer.

We threw ourselves into research, trying to learn everything we could about Arthrogryposis, supported by the prayers, love, and encouragement of our family and friends. Each month of pregnancy brought two doctor visits: one with my regular OB-GYN and one with

a specialist. Even with all the monitoring and high-level care, there were still many unknown details the ultrasounds simply couldn’t show. But we kept moving forward, step by step, placing our trust in God’s plan.

During that season of waiting and uncertainty, Ryan’s mother, Mercedes Picou, heard about a priest nearby who held healing services. Without hesitation, she arranged a private appointment for us. That’s how we met Father Manny.

I remember that day vividly, sitting in his office, explaining our situation. He listened with such calm and compassion, then asked if he could pray over my belly. As he prayed, something extraordinary happened: for the very first time, I felt Peyton really move, a sign of life, of hope, of God’s nearness.

Before we left, Father Manny gave us an assignment: to pray together every night before bed. It was simple, but deeply grounding. That nightly ritual became a source of strength, a reminder that we were not walking this journey alone.

On March 29, 2005, we welcomed the greatest miracle of all, our son, Peyton Anthony Picou. With a head full of hair and the cutest chubby cheeks, we fell instantly and completely in love. We didn’t see a child with a disability. We saw God’s unconditional love wrapped in a tiny, perfect body.

The hospital staff moved quickly to tend to Peyton’s needs. Pediatric therapists were on hand to create custom hand and foot splints to help begin correcting his contractures. Appointments were scheduled, referrals made, and plans put in motion. But more than anything, we were sent home with a deeper mission: to walk a journey of faith, love, and perseverance to help Peyton become everything God created him to be.

Early on, Ryan laid down a ground rule in our home: “There’s no such thing as can’t.” That

simple phrase became a powerful mindset not just for Peyton but for all of us. Every opportunity that came our way, whether it was occupational therapy, physical therapy, water therapy, or private sessions, we said “yes.” We committed to doing it all. We never wanted Peyton to one day ask, “Why didn’t you try this for me?” So we tried everything.

As Peyton grew, we continued to encourage him to pursue every dream that stirred in his heart. He wanted to play soccer? Absolutely. A children’s triathlon? Let’s do it. Join the swim team? We’re all in. Whatever the challenge, our answer was always, “let’s try.”

Through his grit and determination, and yes, despite pain, therapy, surgeries, and setbacks, Peyton pressed forward. In high school, he participated in varsity sports, competing in swimming and serving as the manager of the baseball team. What he wanted most was inclusion, normalcy, and to be seen for who he was, not for what he couldn’t do, but for all that he could.

All of these experiences shaped the incredible young man he is today. He is entirely independent, driving himself, living on his own, and embracing this new season of life with courage and confidence. Rooted in a strong Catholic faith of his own, Peyton now attends Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, where he’s studying mechanical engineering. He’s deeply involved at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on campus and ministers to his peers through his quiet witness and servant’s heart.

When Peyton moved away to college, someone asked me, “How are you not sad?” And I replied, “How can we be sad? We’ve worked so hard to get him to this moment and we are finally here. We are so proud of him.”

Looking at the man Peyton has become, we are filled with overwhelming joy and the deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing we chose life and it was the most rewarding “yes” we could ever say.

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS CAN’T. ” “

GOD’S PLAN:

ABUNDANCE AND REST

KEELY DIEBOLD

is a mass communication professional and educator. She is a native of Houma and a lifelong parishoner of St. Gregory.

There’s a phenomenon most people experience in their lifetime that goes completely undiscussed: your first summer working a full-time job.

No one prepares you for what a transition that jarring is like. For most of your life, summer is a season of undeniable wonder–of poolsides, snowballs, and staying up way past your bedtime watching your favorite movies. But most importantly, it’s a break from the responsibilities of school.

Then, everything changes in one summer. Suddenly, pool days turn into eight-hour shifts, late summer nights turn into early mornings, and the hope of a real break feels dimmer.

Let’s be clear - there’s nothing wrong with work. In fact, the Lord’s original design for man in the Garden of Eden involved work, as He “took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and the human community, work remains part of God’s plan for man even today and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). When ordered toward the good of the individual: “In work, the person exercises and fulfills in part the potential inscribed in his nature” (CCC 2428).

For many of us, this sounds like wishful thinking. Whether we like our jobs or struggle with them, work can be difficult, consuming, and exhausting, especially when it’s preceded and followed by the countless other

responsibilities of life. We know this reality of labor is a product of the consequences of man’s fall (Genesis 3:17), but why does it feel so contradictory to what Jesus, the Good Shepherd, promises us - that, through Him, we are to “have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10)? Why does abundance feel unattainable when day-to-day life leaves us with such little time to breathe?

An abundant life of joy and peace is not something we can obtain on our own, but finds us when we abide in God: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4).

The Lord deeply desires to restore this communion with us - to restore Eden - in our hearts on this earth so that we can live in the fullness of communion with Him for all eternity. He gives us vessels through which His restorative power can flow, namely prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments. Yet, we consistently find ourselves in an all-too-familiar cycle: we struggle to find time to abide in the Lord in prayer and the sacraments, so we feel distant from Him, and the demands of work and day-to-day life subsequently rattle us.

God’s design for us included work, but it also included rest.

We know the Creation story all too well–that God “rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done” (Genesis 2:2) - but it’s easy for us to brush this off as something that merely sounds nice or something we’ll get around to one day when we have time. It’s equally as easy for us to view rest as something we have to earn by merit of our labor.

But rest isn’t any of these things. It’s not just some concept that sounds nice. It’s an essential aspect of the human life through which we live as beings created in the image and likeness of God.

To rest is both to act as God Himself did and to intentionally set aside time to build deeper intimacy with the Lord through prayer and participation in the sacramental life. As St. John Paul II states in his encyclical on work, LABOREM EXERCENS, “man ought to imitate God, his Creator, in working, because man alone has the unique characteristic of likeness to God. Man ought to imitate God both in working and also in resting, since God himself wished to present his own creative activity under the form of work and rest.”

Rest is so essential to fostering our relationship with God that an entire day of the week is set aside for “reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life” (CCC 2186).

In perfectly living out the will of His Father, Jesus serves as a model for us of the necessity of rest. Throughout His public ministry, He makes frequent time to be alone to be with His Father in prayer (Mark 1:35, 6:46), even exhorting His Apostles to rest, particularly when He sees they are lacking in it: “And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (Mark 6:31).

And so, when we make time for rest, we live in the image and likeness of God and in imitation of Jesus. There, we find a pathway toward deeper intimacy with God. More rest opens the door for more time spent receiving the sacraments, in prayer, in Adoration, and celebrating the Lord‘s Day the way it was always intended to be celebrated. In deepening these practices, we deepen our relationship with the Lord, and a greater abundance of joy and peace pours from His heart into ours–a joy and peace that cannot be shaken, even by work that feels overwhelming and consuming.

While summers may not be marked by pool days and sleeping in late, like they were as a child, reflecting on the happiness and simplicity of our restful childhood summers points us to an even greater reality–that rest is not only important, but essential to our humanity and to entering into deeper communion with the Lord. This allows us to experience a taste of His original design for us in the Garden as we await perfect communion with Him in Heaven.

So, use this summer as a time to intentionally practice resting well and resting in the Lord’s presence so that rest can become an essential part of your life.

WHEN WE MAKE TIME FOR REST, WE LIVE IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD AND IN IMITATION OF JESUS. ” “

BIBLE STUDY

WHY DOES GOD TELL US TO REST? WHY DOES GOD TELL US

TO REST?

Summertime represents a chance to slow down, rest, and even recreate. For the Bible Study column in this issue, we invited two members of the Office of Parish Support team, JJ Hussem and Rebecca Abboud, to help us slow down by shedding light on the Church’s spiritual teaching on rest, play, and leisure. In our busy world of constant news and activity, it’s never been more important. We invite you to reflect on their words and the bible passages they cite for your own personal prayer and transformation.

REBECCA ABBOUD

lives in Houma and is a parishioner of Christ the Redeemer. Rebecca serves as a liaison for the Office of Parish Support. In her free time Rebecca is passionate about spending time with people she loves, crafting, and planning themed parties and celebrations.

“At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

-Matthew 18:1-4

As a child, I loved summer days filled with nothing but play. Play is the natural language of children. But as we grow, little by little, we can lose our capacity for it.

In Scripture, Jesus invites us to become like children—not childish, but childlike: full of trust, humility, and dependence on the Lord. When I’m living like it all depends on me, it becomes nearly impossible to rest or play. When I’m carrying the world on my shoulders, I lose the capacity for joyful, childlike delight. But play and rest are acts of trust. They say, “God, You are God—and I am not. I get to be your daughter. Your son.”

When we are secure in His care, we are free to laugh, to rest, and to do the things that bring us to life. Life-giving play both flows from our identity and deepens it. If heaven belongs to the childlike, then surely play is the stuff of heaven! As summer offers a new rhythm, a sacred pause, let’s ask the Lord for the grace to let play become a prayer of surrender—offered freely from the heart of a child who knows they are loved and cared for.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

-Matthew 11:28

Jesus didn’t say, ‘Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you a to-do list.’ John Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, sold millions and speaks into our contemporary rush of doing, doing, doing. We are human beings, not human doings. That doesn’t mean productivity or effectivity are not useful and needed. It means that I struggle to live in the present moment. And it’s in the present moment where Jesus meets me.

We often either think we need to be busy and occupied or equate the opposite with entertainment and consumption. The world gives us ‘mindfulness’ and yoga, but what we need is to be present to His presence. “We have become a nation of zapped souls, always busy, but never fully alive” (Comer). Rush has become the new rhythm, but the gift of time and availability is more precious than ever. True rest restores what we’re actually made for, which is connection.

“To follow Jesus, we must slow down enough to actually follow Him” (Comer). In Revelation 14:4, we are called to “follow the Lamb wherever He goes.”He leads; I follow. What an invitation! What’s your response?

SUMMER SUMMER A SEASON OF REST AND PLAY

In our fast-paced, hyper-productive world, rest and play often seem like luxuries, distractions, or even signs of laziness. The spiritual life, however, offers a countercultural witness: rest and play are not peripheral to holiness—they are essential. The summer months provide an opportunity for each of us to recommit to a spiritual life that is marked by resting with the Lord, following Jesus call to “come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).

From the very beginning, rest is part of God’s plan. In the Genesis creation account, after six days of creative labor, God rests—not out of exhaustion, but to delight in what has been made (Gen 2:23). The Sabbath is then blessed and made holy. Later, in the Ten Commandments, God enshrines this rest into the life of Israel: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex 20:8). Sabbath is not just a day off; it is a holy interruption commanded by God that reorders our priorities and returns us to the source of life.

FR. PATRICK RIVIERE is the administrator of Holy Cross Parish and Chaplain of Central Catholic High School in Morgan City. He was ordained in 2019 and grew up in Thibodaux.

Jesus, too, honors this pattern. Although his public ministry is full of urgent needs—healings, teachings, confrontations— he regularly withdraws to deserted places to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). He invites his disciples, after exhausting themselves in service, to do the same (Mark 6:31). The spiritual life cannot be sustained on constant output. Rest is not a break from the spiritual life; it is part of it.

Play may seem even more tangential to spirituality than rest, yet it bears a deep theological significance. At its heart, play is a celebration of freedom. True play is not productive; it is gratuitous, even wasteful by worldly standards. And in that sense, it mirrors the gratuitous love of God. We are not loved by God because we are useful, efficient, or effective. We are loved simply because we are His.

In this light, play becomes a sacred affirmation of our dignity as sons and daughters of the Father. It teaches us to enjoy life as gift, not just as a task to be accomplished. G.K. Chesterton once wrote that “man is more himself, man is more manlike, when joy is the fundamental thing in him.”

In play, we echo God’s own delight in creation. Laughter, games, music, and hobbies—far from being distractions— can open our hearts to joy, wonder, and communion. They awaken us to beauty and give us a foretaste of the eternal joy promised in Heaven.

In a culture addicted to productivity and self-worth based on achievement, rest and play are acts of resistance. They remind us that our identity is not in what we do, but in whose we are. When we refuse to be ruled by the tyranny of the urgent, we reclaim time as a gift from God. This does not mean laziness or escapism, but rather a rightly ordered life in which time for prayer, relationships, leisure, and recreation are intentionally protected.

In fact, both in our spiritual life and in our physical life, neglecting rest and play can lead to burnout, emotional fatigue, and even a distorted view of God. When we overidentify with our work, even in the Church we risk confusing our activity with our worth. We can begin to act more like servants earning approval than sons and daughters living in the Father’s house. Rest and play restore perspective. They return us to humility, reminding us that God is God, and we are not.

May the summer season be an opportunity for each of us to recommit to rest and play–whether we waste time with family or friends or “waste time with God” in prayer, these acts renew us in the joy and love that God both has for us and desires us to live each day.

OUR

IDENTITY

IS NOT IN WHAT WE DO, BUT IN WHOSE WE ARE. ” “

SAINT STORIES

ENTRUSTING OURSELVES TO SAINT JOSEPH: A POWERFUL

DEVOTION FOR OUR TIME

THE 33-DAY CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH

In an era when fatherhood is often misunderstood, families are fractured, and holiness feels out of reach amid the busyness of daily life, the Church offers us an alternative: a quiet, strong, and powerful leader— St. Joseph. And now, through the growing devotion of consecration to St. Joseph, one of the Church’s greatest intercessors is being lifted up as a spiritual father for all of us, offering protection, virtue, and peace to those who entrust themselves to his care.

Fr. Donald Calloway, a priest of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, recently wrote a book that’s become a popular and helpful guide for how to entrust ourselves to St. Joseph: Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. It invites the faithful into a 33-day journey with St. Joseph, asking him to lead us closer to Christ through his own fatherly example and intercession.

WHY ST. JOSEPH? WHY NOW?

Fr. Calloway argues that we need St. Joseph today more than ever. In a world that suffers from confusion about identity, vocation, and the very structure of family life, St. Joseph reminds us of what it means to be strong, just, and faithful. As Fr. Calloway writes, “We need the spiritual fatherhood of St. Joseph to help us protect marriage and the family.” The virtues Joseph lived–humility, chastity, patience, labor, and selfgift–are exactly the virtues we need to reclaim. They are also the virtues that St. Joseph himself embodies when he intercedes for us.

St. Joseph is not just an example; he is a powerful intercessor. Just as he protected Jesus and Mary from danger and provided for them in Nazareth, so too does he watch over the Church today. When we consecrate ourselves to St. Joseph, we ask him to guide us throughout our lives, protect us from harm, and help us grow closer to Christ.

WHAT IS CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH?

To be consecrated to St. Joseph means to acknowledge him as a spiritual father, entrusting yourself to his paternal care. He teaches us how to live virtuously, how to love Jesus and Mary, how to work hard with dignity, and how to pray with trust.

Fr. Calloway’s 33-day guide walks us through reflections on St. Joseph’s titles from the Litany–like “Terror of Demons,” “Pillar of Families,” and “Glory of Domestic Life”—combined with Scripture, insights from saints, and daily prayers. It’s a simple and heartfelt journey that’s accessible to anyone.

THE SLEEPING ST. JOSEPH: A SYMBOL OF TRUST

One element of the journey that you can adopt today is the beloved “Sleeping St. Joseph” devotion. This was popularized by Pope Francis, who kept a statue of sleeping St. Joseph on his desk, placing handwritten intentions under it. It’s a reminder that even in his rest, Joseph listened to God–receiving divine guidance in dreams and acting faithfully when he woke up.

Whether it’s anxieties, practical concerns, or a desire to grow in your spiritual life, these handwritten intentions placed under the statue offer an invitation to allow sleeping St. Joseph to bring our intentions to the Lord. As Fr. Calloway points out: “He who works well sleeps well; he who sleeps well works well.” This holy balance of sleep and labor was something God intended for our benefit, and when we entrust ourselves to St. Joseph, who labors for us, it becomes a fruitful reality in our lives.

WHAT ARE THE FRUITS?

Those who consecrate themselves to St. Joseph often report a deepened peace in their homes, greater clarity in their vocations, and an increased ability to endure trials with virtue. Husbands and fathers find in Joseph a brother and model. Young people discerning their paths find an anchor and guide. Workers find renewed strength and guidance, and wives and mothers discover the gentle strength of a protector who listens and intercedes.

THE VIRTUES JOSEPH LIVED – HUMILITY, CHASTITY, PATIENCE, LABOR, SELF-GIFT –ARE EXACTLY THE VIRTUES WE NEED TO RECLAIM.

In one of the daily meditations, Fr. Calloway notes that “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph make it possible for us to be children of God.” That’s what this devotion is really about: a deeper sense of sonship and daughterhood. In turn, we experience safety, security, and strength in God’s love.

LET’S BEGIN

In the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, this devotion can be a beautiful way to re-anchor ourselves, our families and our church parishes. Whether you begin alone, with a small group, or as a parish, consecration to St. Joseph is an invitation to let him guide you through the desert–just as he once led Jesus and Mary–protecting and providing for you, so that his quiet love may draw us closer to one another and to Jesus.

If you’ve ever desired to have a spiritual father, this devotion to St. Joseph is an incredible place to start. He’s not only the guardian of the Christ Child and the Blessed Virgin; he’s also your guardian–if you let him be.

Resources

For more information about this devotion or to purchase the book, visit https://consecrationtostjoseph.org/.

Sleeping St. Joseph statues are available online.

Source

Calloway, Donald H. Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press, 2020.

HEART OF THE CHURCH

ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA AND THE CRUCIBLE OF SANCTITY

FR. STEVE GRUNOW | CONTRIBUTOR FOR WORD ON FIRE MINISTRIES

An important question for all Christians to consider is whether or not we treat the grace that Christ has given us as something cheap. We might have habituated ourselves to set patterns of religious activity. We might have our charitable causes, vaguely construed as “faith based” so as not to offend, that we choose to support. Our identity as a Christian is a fall-back position should circumstances demand that we need it as a safety net. All this is cheap grace— relatively easy, demanding little in terms of cost or conversion.

Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1680 in a territory known to us today as the Canadian province of Quebec. She was a member of the Mohawk tribe. She was a Christian, and the Church celebrates her as a saint, an exemplar of heroic virtue. St. Kateri was not a great wonder worker or scholar. She did not found a religious community and never wrote any mystical or theological treatises. She was not a martyr (though she endured a low-key death to self that would challenge the bravest among us). Much of her life was spent in obscurity. A victim of smallpox, she bore the disfiguring scars of the disease on her face, which made her appearance off-putting. Poor in ways that would shock, she gave away the little she had, living in austerity and choosing less so that others might have more. A convert to the God of Christian foreigners, she was shunned by her people. As an indigenous person, she had no real place among the European colonists whose religious faith she shared.

So, St. Kateri spent her days on the margins, wandering between two worlds, two peoples, neither of which had much room for her. To her tribe, her Christian faith made her an intolerable dissenter. To the emerging colonial world, she was a strange outsider. And it was this marginalization that would become the crucible through which she would pass, and in this way she would become holy as Christ is holy. And therein is St. Kateri’s lesson for us.

A saint is a Christian who displays to us in a concrete, tangible, human form the mystery of God in Christ. His life, his presence, his mystery becomes embodied in the saint in such a way that in their very person the encounter with Christ is akin to the manner he gives himself to his Church in the sacraments. The saint becomes, for the Church and for the world, a privileged route of access to Christ, and in the body of the saint, as he is in the sacraments of the Church, this encounter with the Lord Jesus is abiding, personal, and true. In the saint, the Church and the world meet Christ.

Each saint will represent Christ in particular ways, and St. Kateri embodied Christ in his suffering. In her own body, the sufferings of Christ became real to the senses. Christ’s sufferings are not abstractions. Remember that Christ, as the Scriptures testify, “was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3). His sorrows and grief were not only the wounds of his Passion but were occasioned by a passionate love for his creatures and his creation that he expressed in a descent into our world that would place him among the marginalized. Again, the Scriptures express this descent as God in Christ being so bold as to take the “form of a slave” (Phil. 2:7), and in doing so showing us that power is not a thing to be grasped at, and that the presence of God will be most readily found not in the bodies of elites, but in the bodies of those deemed least according to the standards of the world. Conversion to Jesus Christ beckoned Kateri Tekewitha into this crucible of sanctity. She accepted it as a privileged gift, and her descent into Christ’s invitation made her a living icon of his presence. From her place at the margins, she drew people to the true center—the center who is Christ.

I believe it was St. Augustine who once mused that it is easy for us to think about grandeur, to enjoy honors, to give our attention to those who flatter us. But all this is really cheap. Of far more value is to suffer for Christ, to pray for those who persecute us, and to take our place, in imitation of Christ, among the least who inhabit the marginal places of the world.

May St. Kateri, saint of the margins, show us how to live in this way.

Citation: Grunow, Steve. “St. Kateri Tekakwitha and the Crucible of Sanctity.” Word on Fire, July 14, 2020. https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/st-kateritekakwitha-and-the-crucible-of-sanctity/

EVERYDAY HOLINESS EVERYDAY HOLINESS

DR. MEGAN HARTMAN

is a family physician at the Family Doctor Clinic of Mathews and cares for patients at Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital. Jye Hartman is a FEDC at Halliburton, and he recently started an archery business out of their home. They reside in Lockport with their five children, Cohen, Sawyer, Cecilia, Linden and Emilia, and they attend St. Hilary of Poitiers Church in Mathews.

This year, Sawyer Hartman, who just completed fifth grade at St. Mary’s Nativity School, was named Catholic Student of the Year for the State of Louisiana. In this edition of Everyday Holiness, we invite the Hartman family to reflect on faith, family, and what the award means to them.

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY’S FAITH LIFE AND HOW IT HAS SHAPED YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT?

For us, life is always in motion. Every morning, we commute from our home near Lockport to Raceland, but we like to use that time to listen to The Bible in a Year podcast, and now The Catechism in a Year podcast (both by Fr. Mike Schmitz). We also like to ask for prayers from the Saint of the Day, and then listen to K-Love on the radio. Like hidden broccoli or cauliflower, we like to sneak in prayer where we can. We like to also pray together before meals and bed, and then we build our week around mass and make it a priority, regardless of where we are.

WHAT ROLE HAS THE CHURCH PLAYED IN YOUR FAMILY’S JOURNEY – BOTH AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A UNIT?

Our home parish, St. Hilary, has played a major role in our lives. They welcomed us with open arms when our family moved back to the Bayou, and while we were nervous about bringing out toddler to mass, we were always met with friendly and reassuring faces. That’s continued to be the same throughout the years, and now we like to attend daily mass, attend adoration, and say the rosary when we can.

HOW DID YOU REACT WHEN YOU LEARNED SAWYER HAD BEEN NAMED CATHOLIC STUDENT OF THE YEAR FOR THE STATE? WHAT DID THAT MOMENT

MEAN TO YOUR FAMILY?

Like every good parent, I had my phone out with the video ready–but I dropped the phone out of shock and excitement! Then I started crying. I was so proud. Being named State Student of the Year is a major recognition, but the Catholic qualifier makes it mean more. It is exciting to know that God is working through her already.

IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND INTENTIONALLY NURTURED FAITH IN YOUR CHILDREN?

Intention is a word that Jye and I often discuss. We are very lucky to have an extended family who are strong in their faith and exude love for Christ and the Church. However, we try to surround ourselves with like-minded families and friends. Having the kids in an environment that immerses them in our faith has been so important to us. Prayer throughout the day, opportunities for Mass, special acknowledgement of feast days, and visible reminders of faith that surround them every day are so important to their formation.

PARENTING IN TODAY’S WORLD COMES WITH UNIQUE CHALLENGES. HOW DO YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND NAVIGATE FORMING YOUR CHILDREN IN THE FAITH AMID THOSE PRESSURES?

They say “it takes a village” to raise a child. We, fortunately, have a village here on earth–and in Heaven. I often laugh at how outnumbered we are when we gather as friends with other families because we have been blessed with being able to surround ourselves with other large like-minded families. We are also part of a small group with other parents, where we navigate these waters together by mutually supporting each other.

CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT OR A STORY THAT REFLECTS THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN A RECENT SEASON OF FAMILY LIFE?

This year, our son Linden received his First Communion. Our two older girls, Sawyer and Cecilia, were so heavily invested in the occasion.

Leading up to the mass there was so much discussion and intense pride as their little brother was able to experience receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus for the first time. As I sat and reflected on the way that they were able to find joy in their sibling’s milestone, I was able to see how God uses each one of us to bring one another closer to Him.

HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO LIVE OUT THEIR

FAITH

OUTSIDE THE HOME – AT SCHOOL, WITH FRIENDS, IN THE COMMUNITY?

We often talk about human dignity and respecting all people. I try to remind the kids that everyone is loved by God. Each and every person that we come in contact with is special to God and we should treat them like they are loved by God.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO OTHER CATHOLIC PARENTS STRIVING TO RAISE FAITHFUL CHILDREN IN A WORLD THAT

OFTEN PULLS THEM IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION?

Bring your kids to Mass. I’d feel a little embarrassed sometimes when well-meaning individuals would approach us with words of encouragement when they saw us bringing our children with us to Mass: “Stick with it,” “Hang in there,” “It’ll get easier,” they would kindly say. It felt like we spent more time cowering under the pews than we did kneeling, but it helped to hear their words of encouragement. Now, I feel like we blinked, and a new generation of fresh families are coming through, and my children are now the ones encouraging them! That is great to see. Finally, I’d remind other parents that it’s our responsibility to get our spouses and kids to Heaven, and going to Mass is a great way to do that.

After 90 weeks of extensive renovation, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church—located at 195 Ludwig Lane in Grand Isle—reopened its doors on Saturday, May 3 with a church blessing and altar dedication, sanctifying the newly restored space as a sacred place for worship.

The Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, included the anointing, incensation, vesting and lighting of the new altar. First-class relics from St. Francis de Sales, St. Clare of Assisi, St. John Paul II and St. Charles Lwanga were sealed into the altar, a practice which dates back to the early Church. The altar was anointed with the Oil of Chrism to signify that it is set apart solely and exclusively for the celebration of the Eucharist.

With an updated adoration chapel designed for comfort and reverence, the church features many new enhancements including a modern heating and air conditioning system, upgraded lighting, a state-of-theart sound system, a new roof, and a refreshed coastalinspired exterior.

The clean, simple design incorporates historical elements from the three architectural eras of the church over the past 107 years. Most notably, the original 1918 Gothic arch has been beautifully integrated into the interior

OUR LADY OF THE ISLE REOPENS AFTER 90 WEEKS OF RENOVATION

design. At the center of the sanctuary is the preserved crucifix from 1961. Visibly weathered by the storm, it remains a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness during life’s storms. Beneath it, the new altar stands as a focal point—at the center and heart of the Eucharistic celebration.

In addition, the post-Katrina stained glass windows from 2007 remain, now enhanced with the Gothic arch. The church’s candle alcoves have also been updated, featuring elegant new stands as well as statues crafted by Italian sculptor and artist Alexander Kostner which evoke true beauty and reverence.

“Today is a day of immense gratitude and joy,” said Father Mark Toups, pastor of Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church. “Having the church restored is a visible sign that the island is back.” He expressed his gratitude to God and to all those who made this restoration possible. “The very first words we must speak are words of praise to God. Let us give Him the glory, for He has rebuilt not just the walls of this church, but also the hope within our hearts.”

Father Mark also reflected on the journey of faith that brought the parish to this moment. “Our return to this sacred place is a living witness to the fidelity of God—a

fidelity that has carried us through the long and painful aftermath of Hurricane Ida. This is about our people— the people of God—who have remained steadfast with patience and perseverance throughout these 90 weeks.”

Father Mark is excited about the future of the Church, and the fact that faith is alive and thriving on the island. And parishioners are overjoyed to have their church back. “We prayed and had confidence that the Lord would provide for us, and he did that today,” said Karl Thayer, parishioner since 1977. “Our little prayers for our little church have really consummated into something beautiful, with the Archbishop consecrating our new altar and church and revitalizing our parish,” he said through tears. “It’s a brand-new day here, and look at our future now—we are blessed.”

Very Reverend Simon Peter Engurait, Diocesan Administrator also shared these words with the community: “Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church has been a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of God’s people in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. As you reunite in this sanctified space, may it ever remind you of God’s unwavering promise, immortal hope, and eternal love.”

Visitors are welcomed to stop by the church on their next visit to the island. Renovations are still underway on the rectory and parish hall.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES PARISHONERS BACK TO A FULLY-RENOVATED CHURCH

Holy Family Church in Dulac was among many of the churches in our diocese that sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Ida. The church was closed for an unforeseeable amount of time, but that did not stop the parishioners from worshipping together.

They began to hold Masses outside before the congregation was welcomed into the KC Hall on Shrimper’s Row. Knowing that the renovation process would take time, parishioners transformed the KC hall into a place of worship. They changed out the chairs and worked to make it as comfortable as possible for people to come and pray. “We wanted to make it a place you wanted to come,” said lifelong parishioner Margie Duplantis. “Yes, I missed my church, but it was like moving out of a home—you still have your family with you. So when I walked into the KC home, my church family was still there.”

What the community endured is beyond words. “We all felt the pain of loss together,”

said Margie. “We all mourned together. As much as we missed our church, we were still church.”

Parishioner Mariah Parfait shared how the path to recovery has been long and challenging. “It felt like we were being led through the desert like Moses and the Israelites. But despite the destruction, it has been beautiful to see how our parishioners have handled devastation in such a graceful way.”

The community is thankful for all of the tireless support from their own parish and within the diocese as a whole. “We’ve been blessed by many individuals and groups, such as the Knights of Columbus who let us use their hall and the Mennonites who helped rebuild homes,” said Mariah.

Now, nearly four years later, the doors of Holy Family Church are open! Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs celebrated a dedication of the church and altar on May 31. Through the

power of community, love and faith, Holy Family Church welcomed parishioners home.

“We are finally able to return to our church!” said Friar Antonio Farrugia, pastor. “We thank God and all of our parishioners, friends, families, benefactors, volunteers and all who prayed for us through this difficult time.”

On May 31, a dedication of the church and altar was celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs. Margie reflected on this momentous occasion. “For those who have endured the pain of loss, this shows them that there is hope,” she said. “I pray that this brings renewal within all of us. Renewal, hope and love—that’s what we are about at Holy Family Church.”

The community stood together and never gave up, rooted in faith and trust that our Lord would restore what was broken. “I can honestly say that it has been a true labor of love to restore our church,” said Mariah. “We’ve prayed for this day and to see it come to fruition is a testament to God’s grace and the resilience of our church family.”

Today, Holy Family Church stands as a pillar of faith and hope for the community in Dulac. “Our return signifies a step forward in the community’s recovery both physically and spiritually. We may have lost our church for a little while, but we never lost the love for God and one another.”

“The church is beautiful,” said Margie. “We don’t dwell on what was, but what is today—and that is a new life.”

WE DON’T DWELL ON WHAT WAS, BUT WHAT IS TODAY—AND THAT IS A NEW LIFE. ” “

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH IN CHAUVIN REOPENS ITS DOORS A FRESH START:

It’s been a long, four years for many churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and St. Joseph Church in Chauvin has been among them. Originally dedicated in 1966, the church suffered extensive water damage from Hurricane Ida, mainly to the roof which resulted in water damage.

“The water was everywhere. It was a mess with buckets and towels. You could see water marks on the pews,” said parishioner Emily Neil.

But St. Joseph Church never stopped being a home for its people.

In the early days of recovery, the youth center next door became a distribution point for supplies, food and fuel. “I was amazed by the people that came to help after the storm,” said church secretary Tracie Defelice. It was inspiring to see.”

Just weeks later, Mass resumed in the church— despite a tarped roof, leaking ceilings, and buckets around the pews. “We had a building and rain buckets. We counted ourselves fortunate because other churches didn’t have a building at all,” said parishioner Bernardine Smith.

The church was being renovated over time, but in parts, to where mass could still be held while the work continued.

On July 1, 2024, the church closed for major renovations and their masses moved to the youth center next door, which was previously renovated. “We are thankful and truly blessed to continue masses daily in the youth center,” said Bernardine. That’s when Fr. Carl Collins became the pastor and continued to guide the parish through its final stretch of recovery.

Finally, on February 15, the doors of St. Joseph Church reopened for good. With the help of loyal and committed parishioners, the church was cleaned and prepared for Mass that afternoon.

The renovation brought much-needed renewal: a new roof, ceiling, electrical work, lighting, paint, and interior restoration. Mass attendance is even up! “We are so happy,” said Lana Pellegrin. “It’s so heavenly to be back in our beautiful church.”

Today, St. Joseph Church is thriving—now stronger than ever, thanks to a powerful sense of community and the unwavering faith of its people.

A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND CARE

ST. JOSEPH MANOR CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

St. Joseph Manor, the only Catholic-based assisted-living facility in our diocese, celebrated its 30th anniversary on Friday, May 2! Born out of a vision of the late Monsignor Francis J. Amedee, St. Joseph Manor continues to carry an enduring legacy of senior care in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Let’s go back to the beginning and learn how St. Joseph Manor has evolved in the past 30 years.

Msgr. Amedee was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, having worked closely with the Archbishop of New Orleans to form the new diocese in 1977. Yet, one of his most-known achievements is the founding of St. Joseph Manor.

The idea came to Msgr. Amedee in the late 1980s when he was visiting his brother at Williamsburg Senior Living Community in Baton Rouge. He witnessed firsthand how his brother’s life was flourishing in a supportive, independent living environment, inspiring him to begin this type of community to the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

By the early 1990s, he had formed a Board of Directors, and after years of financial planning, design, and approvals at both the state and local levels, construction began. St. Joseph Manor officially opened its doors on May 3, 1995, becoming the first assisted-living community in the tri-parish area of Lafourche, Terrebonne, and St. Mary.

The Manor welcomed its first staff members in late 1994. In March of 1995, Ann Thibodaux was appointed as the first Administrator. Upon Ann Thibodaux’s retirement in 2020, Ben Bolton was named the second Administrator and continues to serve in this role today.

Ann Thibodaux recalls Msgr. Amedee asking her to be the administrator of St. Joseph Manor back in 1994. “At the time, there were no other assisted-living facilities in the area. I wasn’t even familiar with the concept,” she explained. Coming from a career in long-term care, she felt God tugging at her heart. “Knowing it was for the Church and to serve the elderly, I was all in. It felt even more meaningful that we were leading the way for assisted living in our community.”

As needs and expectations grew, so did the Manor’s services. In 2017, the facility added 12-hour nursing coverage and implemented a Medication Administration Program. Just three years later, nursing coverage expanded to 16 hours per day.

Over the years, the Board of Directors played a pivotal role in shaping the success of the Manor, with Jerald Block serving as president since 1998. Building on that strong foundation, the Board opened Cardinal Place in 2016, a residential community for independent adults ages 55 and older.

Today, St. Joseph Manor remains a private, nonprofit corporation operating independently from the diocese, though it maintains a strong Catholic identity. The Manor is home to about 60 residents and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, united by a mission of dignity, compassion, and community.

“This milestone of 30 years stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of Msgr. Amedee, and his legacy continues to guide us,” says Thibodaux, now a retired board member. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to witness the dedication of our staff and the lives we’ve touched.”

“Our success is truly thanks to our staff, our volunteers, and our board. We are one family. And our residents and their families are our inspiration. They remind us every day that St. Joseph Manor isn’t just a place to live—it’s a home.”

Congratulations to St. Joseph Manor and to all of those who have been a part of this ministry over the years.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

President: Jerald Block

Secretary/Treasurer: Edward Bouterie

Dr. Maria Cruse

Dr. Carroll Falcon

Michael Gros

Chris Rodrigue

Ann Thibodaux

SUPERVISORY STAFF:

Administrator: Ben Bolton

Administrative Assistant: Katie Soignet

Marketing & Social Director: Cherie Glorioso

Resident Care & Nursing Director: Tracy Richard

Personal Care Director: JoAnn Davis

Food Service Director: Angela Woods

A CATHOLIC 4TH OF JULY: FAITH

AND FREEDOM

ON THE BAYOU

As fireworks fill up the bayou sky this Fourth of July, Catholics in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux join in celebrating America’s Independence Day with joy and gratitude. This holiday not only marks our nation’s birth, it also highlights ideals that resonate deeply with our Catholic faith. Freedom under God, unity as one people, love of family, and the power of prayer–these are values America cherishes and the Church affirms. In the bayou country of South Louisiana, where Catholic roots run deep, Independence Day is a time to rejoice in the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis, while reflecting on the blessings of faith that sustain that freedom.

GOD’S WILL: FREEDOM AS A CHERISHED RIGHT

“Freedom” is the hallmark of July 4th–and for Catholics, true freedom is a gift from God. The Church teaches that each person has a God-given right to religious freedom, free from coercion.

This principle, affirmed at Vatican II, echoes the Founding Fathers’ vision of a nation where all can worship freely.

For Catholics, freedom is not license to do whatever we please but the freedom to do the right thing freely, and to worship God freely. As St. John Paul II taught, “freedom attains its full development only by accepting the truth”–especially the truth of human dignity. Scripture reminds us, “For you were called for freedom […] but do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love” (Galatians 5:13). On Independence Day, we thank God for the liberty to live our faith openly and use that freedom to serve others.

UNITY AND COMMUNITY

“E pluribus unum” (“Out of many, one”) is not just a national motto; it also reflects the Church’s vision of unity in diversity. In Houma-Thibodaux, our Catholic community is a rich blend of cultures:

BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD.

Cajun, Creole, African American, Hispanic, Vietnamese, Native American, and others—united in one faith. Every Sunday, we gather at the altar as one Body of Christ, living out the unity our nation strives to embody.

We can take inspiration from saints like St. Kateri Tekakwitha, who we honor each July in our diocese, and from Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States. Both remind us that holiness transcends cultural lines. As Catholics, we are called to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, renewing our commitment to the common good.

FAMILY AND FAITH

July 4th is often marked by burgers, hot dogs, fireworks, and family gatherings. These moments reflect the Church’s vision of the family as the “domestic church.” While simple, these things represent a place where we can gather freely together. Pope St. John Paul II said it well: “As the family goes, so goes the nation.” In South Louisiana’s tight-knit Catholic communities, this is more than a slogan–it’s a lived reality.

May this holiday be a moment of fun and celebration, but also of prayer and reflection. Begin the day with Mass or a family prayer of thanksgiving. Teach children that the holiday honors the sacred dignity of life and liberty. Consider praying a Rosary for the country or invoking the intercession of American saints, like St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. John Neumann.

A SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE

Above all, Independence Day is a time of gratitude–for freedom, opportunity, and peace. Let’s fly the flag, sing patriotic songs, and celebrate – but let us also kneel in prayer. May we live out the Catholic virtue of patriotism, which the Church teaches “belongs to the order of charity”–a genuine love of country rooted in gratitude.

CONCLUSION

This Fourth of July, the Bayou Catholic community celebrates the harmony between American ideals and Catholic faith. Freedom, unity, family, and prayer form the backbone of both our country and our Church. As people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, let us celebrate with joy and grace. May we thank God for our freedom, cherish our families, and live as faithful citizens. As Psalm 33:12 reminds us: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

Happy Independence Day–and may God bless America.

CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES: PREPARED FOR A FUTURE OF FAITH AND LEADERSHIP

DR. MARK WILLIAMS

serves as Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He and his wife, Kirsch have five children, and they are members of both St. Joseph Co-Cathedral and Holy Name of Jesus parish communities.

What a joyous time it has been in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux! As the diocesan superintendent of schools, I am overflowing with pride and gratitude after witnessing the graduation of 296 incredible young men and women from our three outstanding Catholic high schools. This year marks a truly remarkable achievement: 100% of our students graduated, a testament to their dedication, the unwavering support of their families, and the tireless efforts of our exceptional faculty and staff.

Beyond the impressive graduation rate, our students have also distinguished themselves academically, achieving an average ACT score of 22.8. Eighty-five percent of our graduates qualify for TOPS scholarships. These scores reflect not just their intelligence, but also their diligence and the rigorous academic environment fostered within our schools. This commitment to academic excellence ensures our graduates are well-equipped for their post-secondary endeavors, whether that be higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce.

However, our mission extends far beyond academic success. At the heart of Catholic education is the commitment to forming missionary disciples. We’ve strived to instill in these young people a deep and abiding faith, nurturing their relationship with Christ and empowering them to live out the Gospel in their daily lives. We’ve watched them grow in knowledge, wisdom, and grace, and I am confident that the seeds of faith planted during their formative years will continue to flourish.

I truly believe that these graduates are the future leaders of our Church and our local communities. They possess the values, intellect, and moral compass necessary to make a profound positive impact on the world around them. They are prepared to navigate the complexities of life with integrity and compassion, drawing strength from their faith and using their talents for the greater good.

As they embark on this exciting new chapter, making their first major transition in life, I humbly ask for your prayers. Please join me in praying that our graduates remain close to the Lord through the sacraments, finding solace, guidance, and strength in His presence. May our Blessed Mother, Mary, always intercede on their behalf, guiding them with her maternal care and leading them closer to her Son. We wish them every blessing as they step out into the world, ready to embrace the future with faith, hope, and love.

E.D. WHITE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2025

Olivia Adams

Isabelle Alcazar

Claire Babin

Hayes Babin

Michael Beck III

Hannah Benoit

Olivia Besson

Isabelle Bilello

Dylan Bimah

Benjamin Blanchard

Cali Blanchard

Hux Blanchard

Lakelyn Blank

Cooper Bordis

Allison Boudreaux

Tessa Boudreaux

Thomas Bower II

Matthew Broussard

William Broussard

Amber Buquet

Katie Caillouet

Addison Calabro

Emma Callais

Jake Carrier

Colin Champagne

Kynlie Champagne

Anna Clement

Emily Cortez

Sarah-Grace Couvillon

Logan Crochet

Calleigh Davis

James DeMoss

Lily Dempster

Logan Denning

Noah Diedrich

Ellie Dietz

Lawson Ducos

Hayleigh Ellis

Katelyn Falgoust

Katherine Falgoust

James Faucheux

Drake Fields

Victoria Folse

Lauren Fontz

Olivia Foret

Francis Fremin

Ava Gravois

Brayden Gros

Victoria Gros

Benjamin Guidry

Alex Guillot

Zachary Guin

Bryce Hawley

Isabelle Hebert

Jackson Hebert

Philip Hillman II

Matthew Himel

Jacques Holloway

Kendrynia Isom

Garilyn Jackson

Gionna Jackson

Lane Jones

Lydia Kearns

Victoria Kirkpatrick

Caden Kornegay

Peyton Lagarde

Isabella Landry

Landon Lasseigne

Sophie LeBlanc

Clynest LeBoeuf III

Allison Ledet

Seth Ledet

Landon Leonard

Alayja Long

Andre’ Lovelace

Emma Mahler

Isabella Mahler

Evan Marino

Governor Maurer

Rylee Methvin

Ethan Montgomery

Madison Morel

Brady Naquin

Claire Nolan

Caden Ockmond

Byron Oncale

Hudson Oncale

Andie Ordoyne

Grant Paige

Cooper Passman

Haylee Percle

Michael Pere’

Brooke Plaisance

Cade Poimboeuf

Ty Powell

Addison Prince

Tyler Pritchard

Addison Reulet

Max Richard

Emmie Ritchie

Alaina Robertson

Ava Robichaux

Dylan Robichaux

Benjamin Rodrigue

Elizabeth Rodrigue

Morgan Rollins

Thomas Rosado

Karsyn Roussel

Libby Ruth

Morgan Sacco

Azariah Shelvy

Lauren Short

Madison Siitan

Kate Smith

Adrienne Sobert

Aiden Soignet

Millie Sonier

Lahna Stein

Michael Sternfels

Jayden Szush

Adam Talbot

Aiden Templet

Alex Templet

Andrew Terrebonne

Liddy Thibodaux

Lillian Thibodaux

Nathaniel Thompson

Sarah-Grace Toups

Jax Triche

Luke Trotti

Anna Waguespack

Evan Webre

Anna Weimer

Eleanor Wells

Madison Williams

Adele Zeringue

Caitlyn Zeringue

Luke Zeringue

VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Evan Adams

Mia Adams

Abbie Amedee

Isabella Amico

Maddox Angelette

Gabriel Angeron

Addison Arcement

Brant Babin

Parker Badeaux

Olivia Barker

Gabrielle Bauer

Sydney Becker

Cooper Bennett

Carter Bergeron

Jacques Bergeron

Neal Grace Berry

Mattie Berthiaume

Daken Billiot Jr.

Christopher Blount

Riley-Grace Bonvillain

Paul Boudreaux

Morgan Brien

Cole Broussard

Brendy Bunn

Carter Bunnell

Aliza Callais

Gage Cavalier

Makayla Charles

Makensie Charles

Mason Chauvin

Paulina Chavez

Jack Chesnut

William Cipolla

Catherine Clemons

Vivian Cobb

Jaylon Coleman

Julia Degruise

Roberto Diaz

Brooke Deroche

Ava Domangue

Joshua Domangue

Lola Downer

Maddie Dufrene

Luke Duhé

Hudson Duplantis

Avayen Falgout

Corbin Falgout

Kiersten Fanguy

Dylan Folse

Kayla Ford

Alexa Garcia

Detra Gatlin

Carlie Gautreaux

Nicholas Griffin

Catherine Gueldner

James Guidry

Riley Hamilton

Olivia Hatch

Andrew Hebert

Connor Hebert

Sean Hebert

Seth Hebert

Tess Hoychick

Josiah Johnson

Marley Johnson

Mischa Johnson

Tyrian Johnson

Sage Keehn

Matthew King

Landon Klingman

Monique La Salle

Parker Landry

Bryson LeBlanc

Elise LeBoeuf

Emma LeBoeuf

Beau Ledet

Ellen LeRay

Claire Leveridge

Joshua Louviere

Lexy Linh Thi Luong

Alise Malbrough

Cohen Marie

Jordan Matthews

Alexander McCollam

Kymani McGuire

Jase McMillan

Asia Miller

Bonnie Moore

Mia Moore

Noah Moran

Olivia Munster

Parker Mustin

Aydan Naquin

John Naquin

Hayden Newell

William Newman

Mia Nguyen

Vivian Nguyen

Ryan Ni

Cameron Pellegrin

Max Pellegrin

Ian Pitre

Otis Portier

Evan Pregeant

Julia Prejean

Justin Ramirez-Mendez

Reece Richard

Jersey Ricketts

Ethan Robert

Aiden Robichaux

Adrianne Rogers

Shayleigh Sanders

Robert Sandolph, III

Josie Schwab

Kinley Seebode

Allie Soileau

Andrew Songy Jr.

Cole St. Pierre

Cooper Stroud

Ella Tillett

Jessica Trahan

Wil Turner

Elijah Valure

Isabella Walker

Kaitlyn Webb

Logan Welch

Lily Wells

James Westbrook

Kameron Whitrack

Kaden Zeringue

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Sanaa Bailey

Gary Bourgeois

Kayla Broussard

Benjamin Case

Bryan Cordero

Austin Cornes

Golbin Crochet

Sophie Daigle

Braelyn Duplantis

Collin Duval

Tate Fontenot

Karley Guillory

Gregory Hamer

Isabelle Hernandez

Carley Hymel

Alex Landry

Caroline Landry

Zachary Landry

Jackman Lind

Landon Lipari

Braden Mouton

Jade Oliney

Saige Pete

Lucas Pickens

Giselle Ramos

Drake Rock

Francesco Saleme

Emma Skiles

HEAVENLY RECIPES SHRIMP AND OKRA GUMBO

CATHY SMITH

is a longtime resident of Larose and parishoner of Our Lady of the Rosary. She served the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux for 20 years in the Vocations office as assistant to Fr. Mark Toups. Now retired and living in Thibodaux, she is a devoted member of Christ the Redeemer, a mother of two, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of two.

INGREDIENTS:

• 28oz bag frozen cut okra

• 1 large white onion finely chopped

• 1 ½ pounds peeled fresh shrimp

• 10 oz. can of Rotel (mild)

• 2 16oz boxes of chicken broth or stock (you may not need all of this)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients and 1 box chicken broth in crock pot on high for about 4 hours. When okra is smothered down to your taste add more chicken broth if you wish and simmer for about another hour or so.

*Note- I usually let it smother overnight if I’m serving it for lunch. Otherwise you can start the crock pot at any time you wish.

When you feel the okra is smothered down enough you can add more broth to your taste. You can also add a prepared roux mixture to thicken it if you’d like. Add the cleaned shrimp and simmer until shrimp are done. At this point you can season to taste with salt and whatever else you desire.

Serve over rice.

SQUEEZING LEMONS, SERVING CHRIST

JULIE BERNARD ROBICHAUX

is the co-owner of Cheers to That Party Goods. She resides in Thibodaux with her husband, Jeremy, and their son, Conrad. They attend St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

THE CHILDREN’S CHAPTER OF THE WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

Summertime is filled with sunshine, camps, bike rides, backyard games—and for a special group of young children, lemonade stands with a mission.

Through the Catholic Foundation’s Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle, a heartwarming initiative known as the Children’s Chapter is shaping the next generation of philanthropists by helping them live out their Catholic faith through service and stewardship.

What began in 2024 as a grassroots idea among a group of young moms has quickly become a powerful lesson in charity, compassion, and community. These mothers, all members of the Giving Circle, sought a meaningful way to involve their children in the act of giving back and understanding empathy and service at a deeper level. The quote from Matthew 19:14 continued to speak to us where Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This scripture quote drove our desire to have our kids understand that no matter how small they are, their hearts—and hands—can make a big impact.

The result? A simple but powerful project: kids hosting lemonade stands throughout the summer months, inviting friends and neighbors to stop by, enjoy a cold drink, and support a good cause. Every cup of lemonade served is a lesson in empathy, and every dollar raised

goes directly to support the food banks of Catholic Charities—a mission chosen intentionally, because it’s easy for children to understand: their efforts are helping other kids have food on the table.

In its very first year, the Children’s Chapter raised $6,000 for Catholic Charities food banks—an incredible testament to the power of small hands doing big things. In May of 2025, several of the young participants joined the Foundation for a special check presentation, proudly handing over the fruits of their labor to help children and families facing food insecurity in our diocese.

We knew our children could easily understand that other kids, just like them, don’t always have enough to eat. At the same time, we wanted to make it easy for busy moms and families. Helping them connect their efforts to helping other children made it real and our goal was to encourage moms across our community to have an easy way to get their kids involved. As busy moms, this could not be easier to do. Simply find a date, get the kids to be creative, host your day whenever and wherever, and give back.

The Children’s Chapter is much more than fundraising. It provides meaningful opportunities for hands-on service. Kids learn by doing, and we wanted our kids to learn that service to others is important in our faith. The Children’s Chapter is teaching our kids faith in action and service to others through charity. This past Lent, children and their families participated in a day of service to volunteer directly at the food banks, packing boxes, planting beans for the foodbank garden, and learning what it means to walk with those in need. These service days allow the children to see the impact of their work firsthand and to live out Christ’s call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40).

The Children’s Chapter is a movement of young hearts being formed in faith, compassion, and generosity. Through lemonade stands and service projects, they are growing as disciples, learning to love as Christ loved. I want to personally invite other families to host a lemonade stand in your neighborhood, allow your kids to be creative and give back.

As Scripture reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This summer, if you pass by a lemonade stand hosted by one of our Children’s Chapter members—stop, sip, and know you’re supporting something greater than a refreshing drink. You’re supporting the formation of future saints.

To learn more, participate, or support the Children’s Chapter of the Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle, visit catholicfoundationsl.org.

BRENNAN GARRIQUES

serves as Campus Minister for Men’s Ministries at Christ the King on the campus of LSU. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife, Teresa.

WALL-E AND HOLY LEISURE

When we hear the word leisure, what do we think of? Many people think of leisure as simply what you do when you are not working. It is simply another word for free time. With that understanding, anything goes, such as binge-watching a show or scrolling through our phones. But I want to offer another definition. The type of rest the Church had in mind is called otium sanctum, or holy leisure. This is not the mere absence of strenuous activity. Instead, it is a certain disposition of the soul.

Josef Pieper, a Catholic philosopher, argues that leisure is a form of spiritual openness and receptivity—a posture necessary for contemplation and worship. He makes the following comment: “Leisure is the basis of culture. It is not the attitude of the one who intervenes but of the one who opens himself; not of someone who seizes but of one who lets go, who lets himself go...It is only in leisure that the truly human is preserved and cultivated.”

The Catholic Church understands holy leisure as a part of living a fully human life and receiving

the fullness of the gift of being human. With this conception of leisure in mind, do we feel like we are getting the full human experience while mindlessly scrolling through our phones or unplugging our minds as we binge-watch a show? Is this the “posture necessary for contemplation and worship” of which Pieper speaks?

I invite you to witness sacred rest come to life in the Pixar film WALL-E. WALL-E follows a small robot programmed to clean up an abandoned Earth, left in ruins by overconsumption. Meanwhile, humanity lives aboard the spaceship Axiom, a fully automated vessel that caters to their every need. Over time, the humans lose touch with life itself. They never leave their hovering chairs, their bodies weaken and grow in size, and their eyes remain glued to screens.

The director of WALL-E, Andrew Stanton, had a specific plan in mind when portraying humanity as he did. “I wasn’t trying to make the humans into fat, lazy consumers,” he told Christianity Today, “but

to make humanity appear to be completely consumed by everything that can distract you—to the point where they lost connection with each other, even though they’re right next to each other. The reason I made them look like big babies was because a NASA guy told me that they haven’t yet simulated gravity perfectly for long-term residency in space. And if they don’t get it just right, atrophy kicks in and you begin to lose your muscle tone—you just turn into a blob of goo.”

Originally, the Axiom was intended to host a five-year space cruise before returning to a restored Earth. Instead, after 700 years, it became a permanent escape from a polluted Earth, offering a life of endless amusement: golf simulators, pools, and unlimited food and drink. It was far from the plan, and far from true living.

Luckily, the story does not end there. We see the redemption of mankind through the unlikely character of WALL-E. While carrying out his daily task, WALL-E has the contemplative spirit necessary to, as Pieper says, “open himself” to the beauty and simple joys the world has to offer. In his garage, he has a collection of knickknacks that he found on Earth that are a charming expression of his fascination with creation.

Of course, what is missing from his garage is the crown jewel of creation: woman. Both in the beginning and for WALL-E, this woman is EVE. She comes down out of heaven in the form of a dove to bring new life to WALL-E as she herself looks for new life on Earth. Thanks to WALL-E, she successfully locates a plant that proves Earth is habitable again. It then happens that the fruit (or vegetation) of EVE’s womb is what brings the message of salvation back to the Axiom.

While following EVE on her mission, WALL-E and EVE share a moment dancing in space. It is in these simple experiences that EVE comes to realize there is more to life than just her directive. There is time for relationships, for play, and for joy!

Similarly, there is a moment aboard the Axiom when, after their screens are accidentally turned off, two passengers—John and Mary—begin to truly see the world around them for the first time. Freed from their constant distractions, they notice WALL-E and EVE gracefully dance through space, share a moment of wonder, hold hands, and even playfully splash in the pool. In that simple awakening, a genuine friendship begins to form between John and Mary—a glimpse of real connection and life beyond the screen.

The examples of EVE and of John and Mary coming to life reveal the two extremes for those unaware of holy leisure. EVE was ruled by the tyranny of work and thus knew only how to seize and to achieve. John and Mary were ruled by the tyranny of amusement and thus knew only idle pleasure. Neither case approaches the heights for which mankind is made.

A common thread, then, in these examples of holy leisure is the presence of another person—someone to share the moment with, to awaken wonder, and to invite connection. Part of the human experience is to be in communion with each other and, further yet, in communion with God. St. Augustine is famous for saying, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” This foundational quote captures the idea that true rest—holy leisure—is not just relaxation, but communion with God.

As we look ahead to summer and consider how we will spend our time and be present with our families and friends, let us imagine what a season of holy leisure might look like—a summer filled with shared experiences, simple joys, and intentional moments spent with God.

EREISATIMEFORRELATIONSHIPS , FORPLAY

“ T H

JULY DAILY PRAYER

FOR PRIESTS, DEACONS, RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINARIANS

July 1: Bishop Elect Simon Peter Engurait

July 2: Deacon Malcolm Andry

July 3: Rev. Clyde Mahler, retired

July 4: Rev. Fernando Anaya Maida

July 5: Rev. John David Matherne

July 6: Sister Carmelita Centanni, MSC

July 7: Very Rev. Andre’ Melancon, V.F.

July 8: Very Rev. Thankachan (John) Nambusseril, V.F.

July 9: Rev. Roch Naquin, retired

July 10: Deacon Brent Bergeron

July 11: Rev. Ty Nguyen, retired

July 12: Sister Mary Benedict Son Thi Vu, F.M.S.R.

July 13: Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu

July 14: Rev. Alex Okiror

July 15: Sister Caterina Maria Adalaide Curth, M.T.

July 16: Rev. Charles Perkins, retired

July 17: Rev. Joseph Pilola

July 18: Rev. Matthew Prosperie

July 19: Deacon Daniel Bascle, retired

July 20: Rev. Patrick Riviere

July 21: Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue

July 22: Rev. James Rome

July 23: Kristin Niedbala, Consecrated Virgin

July 24: Rev. Robert Rogers

July 25: Rev. Mitchel Semar

July 26: Rev. Caesar Silva, retired

July 27: Deacon Brent Bourgeois

July 28: Seminarian Michael Robichaux

July 29: Rev. Carlos Talavera

July 30: Rev. Wilmer Todd, retired

July 31: Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs

AUGUST DAILY PRAYER

FOR PRIESTS, DEACONS, RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINARIANS

Aug 1: Bishop Elect Simon Peter Engurait

Aug 2: Seminarian Chad Cheramie

Aug 3: Rev. Mark Toups

Aug 4: Rev. Mike Tran V.F.

Aug 5: Rev. Joseph Tregre

Aug 6: Deacon Gerald Belanger, retired

Aug 7: Rev. Alphonse TriVu, CRM

Aug 8: Rev. Augustine Ky Truong CRM

Aug 9: Rev. Romeo (Billy) Velasco

Aug 10: Sister Aracely Lobaton, M.C.S.H.

Aug 11: Rev. Ronilo (Ron) Villamor

Aug 12: Repose of the Soul of Rev. Roger (Jerry) Villarrubia Jr.

Aug 13: Deacon Joseph Bourgeois Sr.

Aug 14: Rev. Davis Ahimbislbwe

Aug 15: Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, MCL, JCL

Aug 16: Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired

Aug 17: Rev. Paul Birdsall

Aug 18: Deacon Lee Crochet

Aug 19: Rev. Shenan Boquet

Aug 20: Rev. Thomas R. Bouterie, retired

Aug 21: Rev. Rusty Paul Bruce

Aug 22: Deacon Martin Dickerson, retired

Aug 23: Msgr. Frederic J. Brunet, retired

Aug 24: Rev. Stephen Castille

Aug 25: Rev. Joseph Chacko, I.M.S.

Aug 26: Sister Mary Immaculata Man Nguyen, F.M.S.R

Aug 27: Rev. Cody Chatagnier

Aug 28: Rev. Dean Danas, retired

Aug 29: Rev. Carl Collins

Aug 30: Rev. Van Constant

Aug 31: Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs

SEPTEMBER DAILY PRAYER FOR PRIESTS, DEACONS, RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINARIANS

Sept 1: Bishop Elect Simon Peter Engurait

Sept 2: Deacon William Dunckelman

Sept 3: Rev. Domingo (Ding) Cruz, retired

Sept 4: Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz

Sept 5: Very Rev. Vicente N. DeLa Cruz, MCL, JCL, V.F.

Sept 6: Seminarian Ethan Henry

Sept 7: Rev. Wilfredo Decal, retired

Sept 8: Rev. Scott Dugas, retired

Sept 9: Sister Diane Poynot, C.S.J.

Sept 10: Rev. Daniel Duplantis

Sept 11: Rev. Msgr. Cletus Egbi

Sept 12: Deacon Lloyd Duplantis

Sept 13: Rev. Gregory Fratt, retired

Sept 14: Rev. Antonio Farrugia

Sept 15: Rev. Nathaniel Maria Gadalia

Sept 16: Sister Juana Eleazer Ramirez, M.C.S.H.

Sept 17: Rev. Alex Gaudet

Sept 18: Rev. Rholando (Rholly) Grecia

Sept 19: Rev. Varghese (Joe) Josekutty

Sept 20: Deacon Dennis Dupre, retired

Sept 21: Rev. Brice Higginbotham

Sept 22: Rev. Francis Kayaye

Sept 23: Rev. Stuart King

Sept 24: Deacon Randall Jennings

Sept 25: Rev. Thomas Kuriakose

Sept 26: Rev. Baby (Phillip) Kurvilla

Sept 27: Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse

Sept 28: Rev. Joseph Lapeyroue

Sept 29: Deacon Gary Lapeyrouse

Sept 30: Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs

LITURGICAL CALENDAR

July 3: Feast of St. Thomas

July 11: Memorial of St. Benedict

July 14: Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha

July 15: Memorial of St. Bonaventure

July 22: Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

July 25: Feast of St. James

July 26: Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne

July 29: Memorial of Sts. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

July 31: Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Aug 4: Memorial of St. John Vianney

Aug 6: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Aug 8: Memorial of St. Dominic

Aug 11: Memorial of St. Clare

Aug 14: Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe

Aug 15: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Holy Day of Obligation)

Aug 22: Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Aug 27: Memorial of St. Monica

Aug 28: Memorial of St. Augustine

Aug 29: The Passion of St John the Baptist

Sept 3: Memorial of St. Gregory the Great

Sept 8: Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sept 9: Memorial of St. Peter Claver

Sept 13: Memorial of St. John Chrysostom

Sept 14: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Sept 15: Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Sept 16: Memorial of St. Cornelius

Sept 27: Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul

Sept 29: Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Sept 30: Memorial of St. Jerome

DATES FROM THE USCCB LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR THE DIOCESES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2025

MILESTONE PARISH ANNIVERSARIES THIS YEAR

HOLY SAVIOR LOCKPORT- 175 YEARS

ST. MARY’S NATIVITY CHURCH -175 YEARS

ST. ELOI, THERIOT- 150 YEARS

ST. ANDREW, AMELIA- 60 YEARS

ST. HILARY OF POITIERS- 60 YEARS

ST. LOUIS BAYOU BLUE- 60 YEARS

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS- 55 YEARS

MILESTONE PRIEST ANNIVERSARIES

FR. RUSTY BRUCE- 5 YEARS

FR. DANIEL DUPLANTIS- 5 YEARS

FR. ALEX GAUDET- 10 YEARS

FR. ALEXIS “ALEX” LAZARRA- 15 YEARS

FR. SAMUEL OKYERE- 15 YEARS

FR. VICENTE DELA CRUZ- 35 YEARS

FR. EVELIO (TOTO) BUENAFLOR JR.- 40 YEARS

FR. TY VAN NGUYEN- 40 YEARS (RETIRED)

FR. BABY (PHILLIP) KURUVILLA- 35 YEARS

MSGR. CLETUS EGBI- 45 YEARS

FR. THOMAS BOUTERIE- 45 YEARS (RETIRED)

FR. JOSEPH CHACKO- 45 YEARS

FR. DEAN DANOS- 45 YEARS

MSGR. FREDERIC BRUNET- 65 YEARS (RETIRED)

AROUND THE DIOCESE

ECUMENICAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

Saturday, August 9, 2025

9 - 11 a.m.

St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Life Center, Thibodaux

People of all Christian faiths and denominations are invited to attend this reflection on grief and loss with speakers Meeka & Charles Dennis. Continental breakfast will be provided. RSVP is required by August 4 to pfolse@htdiocese.org. Contact 985-446-1387, ext. 215 for questions.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Acadian Cultural Mass in French Friday, August 15, 2025

Mass at 6 p.m. | Cultural Celebrations at 7 p.m.

Saint Hilary of Poitiers Catholic Church, Raceland

DIOCESAN SERVICE AWARDS

Liturgy of the Word

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Liturgy of the Word at 2 p.m.

Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales, Houma

EPISCOPAL ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION MASS

Friday, September 5, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma

This event will be live streamed on YouTube and Facebook.

Reception to follow at Vandebilt Catholic High School in the Brother Alfred Kolb Center.

Follow us on social media to find other events surrounding the Ordination and Installation.

AFRICAN AMERICAN MINISTRIES

The 2nd Annual Fr. Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men’s Conference is occurring in New Orleans from September 4-7, 2025. Be sure to check out htdiocese. org for more information or contact Christine Streams (cstreams@htdiocese.org) for more information.)

AMERICAN INDIAN MINISTRIES

Memorial Mass of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Friday, July 11, 2025

Devotions & Cultural Celebrations at 6 p.m. | Mass at 6:30 p.m. | Reception at 7:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Good Voyage KC Home, Houma

St. Kateri Circle of Dulac Meets: At 6:30 p.m. on 1st. Saturday at Holy Family Church, Dulac

St. Charles the Roch Kateri Circle Meets: At 7:00 p.m. every 4th. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus building, Pointe-Aux-Chenes

VIETNAMESE MINISTRIES

Memorial Mass of St. Monica Holy Family | Thanh Gia, Amelia Wednesday, August 27

BLUE MASS

Honoring those in the field of Public Safety Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Mass at 12 p.m. | Reception to Follow Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales, Houma

MEMORIAL MASS OF ST. LAWRENCE RUIZ & COMPANIONS

Filipino-American Cultural Mass in English Sunday, September 28, 2025 Mass at 2 p.m. | Reception to Follow Saint Genevieve Catholic Church, Thibodaux

HISPANIC MINISTRIES

The regular schedule for Spanish-celebrated Liturgies are observed at the following parishes at the following times:

Annunziata

2011 Acadian Drive, Houma, LA, 70363 Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

St. Andrew

833 Julia Street, Amelia, LA, 70340 Sunday, 1:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart, Cut Off

15300 West Main, Cut Off, LA, 70345 Saturday, 6:00 p.m.

Christ the Redeemer 702 Talbot Ave, Thibodaux, LA, 70301 Sunday, 3:00 p.m.

JUBILEE YEAR

Don’t forget that we’re in a Jubilee Year! Check out our Diocesan social media channels for more details on how to get involved and gain a plenary indulgence for yourself or a loved one.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

What an exciting time to be a Catholic in our diocese! I am thrilled to bring you this latest issue of the Bayou Catholic—crafted carefully with prayer, discernment, and a desire to tell the stories of our people!

I have spent time reflecting on the mission of our magazine, and how it can better serve all of you. After all, this is your magazine. We want to share the beauty of our faith, the richness of our traditions, and above all, the personal witness of our people. These are your stories. Your churches. Your schools. Your Bayou.

In each issue, our hope is to bring you into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus Christ through words that inspire, educate and encourage. Our goal is to share stories that connect us to one another and to the heart of God. Through prayerful content, as well as cultural and historical events, we hope that you not only encounter Christ, but that you feel seen and represented in these pages.

As the summer continues, I pray that you find God in moments of rest, play, and leisure. After all, even God rested on the seventh day. May these pages leave you feeling refreshed, renewed and inspired.

Thank you for reading—and for being a part of our story.

TUNE IN ON YOUTUBE @HTDIOCESELA OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS.

HAVE ANY FEEDBACK FOR THE BAYOU CATHOLIC?

We would love to hear from you! As we continue to improve this publication, we hope that you will help us along the way with constructive feedback. You can contact our team with feedback or suggestions at communications@htdiocese.org.

INTERESTED IN WRITING FOR THE BAYOU CATHOLIC?

We are currently building our community of freelance writers. Reach out to our team at communications@htdiocese.org for consideration.

LOOKING TO ADVERTISE OR MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OR ONLINE AT BAYOUCATHOLIC.ORG?

Please contact our team at communications@htdiocese.org to place an ad in the upcoming issues of the Bayou Catholic. To submit an announcement or news article, please reach out to us via email with copy and photos to support your article.

Our team in the Communications Office for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux is proud to produce this publication and we are grateful for your continued support.

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