Bayou Catholic Magazine September 2021

Bayou

Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Labor Day: Honoring those in the medical profession SEPTEMBER 2021 ~ VOL. 42 NO. 3 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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Contents

Columns 8

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

12

Pope Speaks

Pope Francis I

13

Questions of Faith

By Father Wilmer Todd

14

Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

42 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6

From the Editor

16

Scripture Readings

22

Heavenly Recipes

29

Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

30

Youth In Action

Guest Columns 18

‘Am I my brothers’ keeper?’

By Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

24

History of the Mass: Part One

By Father Wilmer Todd

26

The Good Shepherd: Part One

By Father Michael Bergeron

Announcements

On Our Cover

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Healthcare workers throughout the world have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to care for those stricken severely with COVID-19, as well as for patients with other routine medical needs. Pictured on our cover are a few of the medical personnel at Thibodaux Regional Health System in Thibodaux.

32

Diocesan awards

34

New COFO named

34

Red Mass, Oct. 7

35

Eucharistic procession, Oct. 2

36 Mass for Medical and Mental Health Professionals 37

Blue Mass, Sept. 29

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 3

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Ochsner Specialty Health Center – Raceland 141 Twin Oaks Dr. Raceland, LA 70394

Bayou Catholic How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505 Schriever, LA 70395

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Subscription rate is $35 per year.

The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association.

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

April LeBouef

business manager

Janet Marcel

staff writer/administrative assistant

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Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer

Katie Luke

accounting specialist

Like us on Facebook or Find us on the web www.bayoucatholic.org

Where to find your Bayou Catholic

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Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

To pick up a copy, you may also visit the merchants who advertise in our issue. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Janet Marcel at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Subscription price is $35 annually. For the online edition, go to www.bayoucatholic.org

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5

From the Editor

Honoring those on the front line this Labor Day

The month of September usually marks the end of summer with the celebration of Labor Day. This year, Labor Day is celebrated on Sept. 6.

For many who labor throughout the year this is a day set aside to rest, to acknowledge our accomplishments in our labor, and in many places in our country it signals the beginning of a new school year.

Through our occupations we all labor in various degrees. Many work in the fields to produce food for our great nation. Some work in factories manufacturing goods that we have come to depend on and that help make our lives easier. There are many, especially in our area, who work in the energy sector to provide fuel for our country, which we consume at an increasing rate each year.

There is one group who has been especially busy giving of themselves for some time now. I am speaking of those in the medical profession, especially our doctors, nurses, paramedics and all who support the medical community in any way.

Since COVID-19 has taken hold, our medical professionals have been working tirelessly around the clock providing healthcare to millions not only in our country but worldwide.

This Labor Day many who work on the frontline in our hospitals won’t be taking the day off and enjoying time with their families. Instead, they will be caring for those who have been stricken by this virus that has gripped our nation and the world.

There is an answer to this terrible

pandemic. It is in the form of a vaccine that is now available to the general public and hopefully will be given full FDA approval shortly.

I recently posed a few questions to Jamie P. Falcon, RN, CCRN, clinical director of the Critical Care Unit at Thibodaux Regional Health System in Thibodaux. I asked him what would be his message to those individuals who are still skeptical about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? His response was “I would encourage everyone to consider the vaccine and discuss the option with their healthcare provider. I would also encourage individuals to utilize reliable resources of information and avoid misleading headlines and articles. As with any medication or treatment, there are associated risks.

I truly feel the benefits of receiving the vaccine outweigh the risks. The vaccine decreases the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, which allows patients to be treated at home.”

Falcon explains how this surge of the virus is different from the initial wave that affected this area over a year ago. “For the initial surge, this was a novel virus with many unknowns. Everyone worked together to take care of the people in our community with the best treatments we had at the time. The vaccines gave everyone hope that a return to normalcy was near. We are again experiencing hospitals at full capacity with primarily unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. We are caring for a much younger population that is becoming extremely ill during this surge. However, we have learned from our experiences and are more prepared, knowledgeable, and able to anticipate patient care needs.”

A few months ago it seemed we were headed in the right direction when the vaccines were originally introduced. Now that there is an increase in cases and our healthcare systems are being pushed to the limit, it is having an effect on the healthcare workers, especially

6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

doctors, nurses and staff in general.

“Initially we were battling an unknown virus with no preventable measures available. Hospital staff collaborated and rallied to provide care for these critically ill patients.

With vaccines being widely available, we expected a decrease in severe case rates due to higher vaccine rates.

Doctors, nurses and all hospital staff continue to care for patients in our community despite their vaccination status. Our healthcare workers remain focused, hopeful, and diligent in their efforts to provide quality care to all patients,” says Falcon.

When asked what keeps the medical professionals going day after day when they see an increase of patients in need of care, and how do they handle the stress of seeing so many people suffering and so many co-workers putting themselves at risk to care for the ill, Falcon responds. “As healthcare providers, we are committed to providing the best care possible to the people of our community. Regardless of diagnosis, we will continue to do our best to care for those in need. Healthcare workers depend on each other for support, encouragement and debriefing. We continue to push forward each day for our patients, their families and each other.”

This Labor Day while you are relaxing with your family and friends, perhaps barbecuing in the backyard, remember those who are on the frontline working in our hospitals providing lifesaving care for so many.

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News. BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Special

Msgr. Donald Ledet dies at age 85

Msgr. Donald Ledet

Msgr. Donald L. Ledet, retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, died Sunday, July 25. He was 85 years old. The Thibodaux native was ordained to the priesthood May 25, 1963, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrated a Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese.

Father Michael Bergeron, retired diocesan priest, was the homilist.

Throughout his 50 years as a priest, Msgr. Ledet served as assistant pastor in church parishes in Montegut, New Orleans and Marrero, as pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Pointe-aux-Chenes; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church parish in Kenner; and St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland. In addition, he served the people of St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux, St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula, and Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow. He also served on the priests’ council, as dean of the South Lafourche Deanery for six years, and in 1991 was given a Prelate of Honor with the title of monsignor.

Msgr. Ledet retired June 1, 2001.

In 2010, he moved to St. Joseph Manor in Thibodaux where he served as chaplain until his death.

He was interred at the Priests’ Tomb in St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux. BC

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7

Comment

September: A month of concerns and celebrations

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

There are many concerns for us to join in prayer together as we enter into the month of September with its ongoing heat and humidity. I call to our attention a few of these concerns.

September is a part of the height of the hurricane season. The hurricane season seems to be increasing across the calendar year and now stretches for six months from June through November. As we should always do during the months of hurricane season, let us remember in prayer to beg the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, that she appeal on our behalf to Jesus, her divine son, to protect us from all loss of life and property during this ongoing hurricane season. We all long for the cooler days of the fall season, when we shall be beyond hurricane season. Let us also remember in prayer those who are still recovering from last year’s hurricanes, especially those in Lake Charles and in the western part of our state. God grant that they may receive the assistance they need as they continue to rebuild their lives and property.

During the month of September, we also celebrate Labor Day and we give thanks to God for the gift of human labor. The dignity of human work assists us in providing for ourselves and for our families, and also experiencing and exercising that portion of our human nature that reflects the creativity and productivity of God, who created all things and placed us as caretakers over all creation. Labor Day bids that we pause and give thanks to God for the necessity and gift of human labor, which assists us in so many ways. However, there can be a strong

temptation to feel solely defined by and to see our value rooted only in what we do, in our employment, our jobs.

While human work is an important part of our lives, it is not to be equated with the totality of who we are. We will always be much more than what we do for employment. We need to be reminded of this reality in ongoing ways, especially in difficult economic times, such as the present economy that continues to struggle here in our area. When we search for employment, we can also struggle with our own value and worth. What is needed at such times is a correct perspective on who we are apart from the employment that we have or that we seek. Each one of us is of inestimable value before God and one another. Each one of us, while recognizing the value, necessity and dignity of human work, is so much more than what we do. We are children of a Father in heaven who loves us and draws close to us in times of challenge to assure us of his presence and fill us with his peace. Each of us has a human dignity before God and before all humanity that ultimately finds its origin and value not in what we do, but in the gift of life that God himself has granted to each and every one of us.

On Sept. 9, we celebrate the Feast of St. Peter Claver. This is the annual day when the Catholic Bishops of the United States invite us to pray for an end to racism and for healing and reconciliation among people of different races, as well as to pray for peace in our communities. At the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales on Thursday, Sept.

9 at 7 p.m., we will celebrate a Mass for these intentions. I invite you to prayerfully join us at this Mass as we come together to commit ourselves and to be strengthened by the Eucharist to love each person as Jesus loves us and to commit ourselves, following the good example of St. Peter Claver, to work toward greater understanding and harmony between people of different races and cultures.

September also falls at the beginning of a new school year. Let us pray for a

8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

peaceful school year for all schools, and in a special way pray for the success of our Catholic schools to educate our children both spiritually and academically.

Finally, as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to be a challenge for our state and local community, let us pray that we will all do all that we can to end this pandemic.

Let us also pray for those who are ill or infected with the COVID-19 virus, and for all who are overwhelmed by the number of cases and hospitalizations. BC

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Each one of us is of inestimable value before God and one another. Each one of us, while recognizing the value, necessity and dignity of human work, is so much more than what we do. We are children of a Father in heaven who loves us and draws close to us in times of challenge to assure us of his presence and fill us with his peace.

“

Comfort For My People

Labor Day: Giving thanks for the gift of human labor

Comentario

Septiembre: 1 mes de preocupaciones y celebraciones humano es una parte importante de nuestra vida, este no debe de ser igualado con la totalidad de quienes somos. Nosotros siempre seremos mucho más que lo que hacemos en nuestro trabajo. Necesitamos que se nos recuerde esta realidad de manera constante, especialmente en tiempos difíciles económicamente, tal como es la economía actual que continúa siendo difícil aquí en nuestra área.

Cuando buscamos empleo, podemos también batallar con nuestro propio valor y dignidad. Lo que se necesita actualmente es una perspectiva correcta de quiénes somos aparte de lo que hacemos, de lo que tenemos o lo que buscamos. Cada uno de nosotros tiene un valor inestimable ante Dios y ante el otro. Cada uno de nosotros, mientras reconocemos los valores, necesidad y dignidad del trabajo humano, somos mucho más de lo que hacemos. Nosotros somos hijos de un Padre celestial que nos ama y se acerca a nosotros en tiempos desafiantes para asegurarnos su presencia y llenarnos de su con su paz. Cada uno de nosotros tiene una dignidad humana ante Dios y ante toda la humanidad que finalmente encuentra su origen y valor no en lo que hacemos, sino en el don de la vida que Dios mismo nos ha concedido a cada uno de nosotros.

El 9 de septiembre, celebramos la fiesta de San Pedro Claver. Éste es el día cuando los obispos de Estados Unidos nos invitan a orar por el fin del racismo y por la sanación y reconciliación entre todos los pueblos de diferentes razas, así como orar por la paz en nuestras comunidades. En la catedral de San Francisco de Sales el jueves 9 de septiembre a las 7 P.M., celebraremos una misa con estas intenciones. Te invito a unirte en oración en esta misa así como venir a comprometerte y ser fortalecido con la Eucaristía para amar a cada persona así como Jesús nos amó y se comprometió con nosotros, siguiendo el buen ejemplo de San Pedro Claver, para trabajar en lograr un mejor entendimiento y armonía entre los pueblos de las diferentes razas y culturas.

10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

Septiembre también cae en el principio de un nuevo año escolar.

Oremos por un año escolar pacífico para todas las escuelas, de una manera especial oremos por el éxito de nuestras escuelas Católicas para educar a nuestros hijos tanto espiritual como académicamente.

Finalmente, mientras las infecciones y hospitalizaciones por el COVID-19 continúan siendo un desafío para nuestro Estado y nuestra comunidad local, oremos para que todos hagamos lo que podamos para el fin de esta pandemia también oremos por todos aquellos que no están enfermos infectados con el virus del COVID-19 y por todos están abrumados por el número de caso y hospitalizaciones. BC

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Cada uno de nosotros tiene un valor inestimable ante Dios y ante el otro. Cada uno de nosotros, mientras reconocemos los valores, necesidad y dignidad del trabajo humano, somos mucho más de lo que hacemos. Nosotros somos hijos de un Padre celestial que nos ama y se acerca a nosotros en tiempos desafiantes para asegurarnos su presencia y llenarnos de su con su paz.

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Hay muchas preocupaciones como para unirnos en la oración todos juntos al entrar en el mes de septiembre con el continuo calor y humedad. Quisiera dirigir nuestra atención en algunas de estas preocupaciones. Septiembre es una parte de temporadas altas de huracanes. La temporada de huracán parece incrementar a lo largo del calendario del año y ahora se extiende por seis meses desde junio hasta noviembre. Mientras hacemos siempre lo que debemos hacer durante los meses de la temporada de huracanes, recordemos en la oración suplicar la intercesión de María, Nuestra Señora del pronto Socorro, que ella abogue por nosotros ante Jesús su divino hijo, para protegernos de las pérdidas de vidas y propiedades durante esta continua temporada de huracanes. Todos esperamos días más frescos en el tiempo del otoño, cuando deberíamos haber pasado la temporada de huracanes.

Recordemos también en nuestra oración a todos aquellos que todavía se están recuperando de los huracanes del año pasado, especialmente aquellos que están en Lake Charles y en el Este de nuestro Estado. Dios les conceda a ellos recibir la asistencia que necesitan para continuar la reconstrucción de sus vidas y propiedades.

Durante el mes de septiembre, también celebramos el Día del Trabajo y damos gracias a Dios por el don del trabajo humano. La dignidad del trabajo humano nos ayuda en proveer para nosotros y para nuestras familias y también experimentar y ejercer la porción de nuestra naturaleza humana que refleja la creatividad y productividad de Dios, quien creó todas las cosas y se complació de nosotros como cuidadores de toda la creación.

El Día del Trabajo invita a que hagamos una pausa y demos gracias a Dios por la necesidad y el don del trabajo humano, el cual nos ayuda de muchas maneras. Sin embargo, puede ser una fuerte tentación el sentirnos meramente definidos por y ver nuestro valor enraizado únicamente en lo que hacemos, en nuestro empleo, nuestros trabajos. Mientras que el trabajo

Binh luan bang loi

Tháng Chín: Tháng Ưu Tư và Các Nghi Lễ ngày về điểm này, đặc biệt trong thời gian kinh tế khó khăn, như tình trạng bây giờ mà nó đang ảnh hưởng chỗ chúng ta. Khi đi tìm việc làm chúng ta cũng cảm thấy giá trị và mình đáng gì. Điều mà chúng ta cần lúc đó là điều chỉnh lại cái nhìn-chúng ta là ai ngoài công việc, những gì chúng ta có và còn tìm kiếm. Mỗi người đều có giá trị vô biên trước mặt Chúa và người khác.

Mỗi người trong chúng ta, khi nhận ra giá trị, thứ cần thiết và phẩm giá con người trong việc làm, còn cao quý hơn việc chúng ta làm. Chúng ta là con cái Chúa trên trời, Ngài yêu thương chúng ta và muốn gần gũi chúng ta trong thời gian có nhiều thử thách để chúng ta nhận thấy Ngài và ban cho chúng ta an bình. Mỗi người đều có phẩm giá trước mặt Chúa và đồng loại rằng sau cùng sẽ nhận ra căn nguyên và giá trị không phát xuất do công việc mà ta đã làm, nhưng là món quà sự sống mà Thiên Chúa ban cho từng người và từng giới trong chúng ta.

Ngày 9 tháng 9 chúng ta cử hành Lễ thánh Phêrô Claver. Đây là ngày mà hàng năm Hội Đồng Giám Mục Hoa Kỳ mời gọi chúng ta cầu nguyện chấm dứt kỳ thị chủng tộc và cầu nguyện cho ơn chữa lành và hòa giải trong các cộng đồng sắc dân, cùng cầu nguyện cho hòa bình trong các cộng đồng khác nhau nữa. Tại Nhà Thờ Chính Tòa Thánh Francis de Sales sẽ có thánh Lễ vào Thứ năm, ngày 9 tháng 9, lúc 7 giờ tối cầu nguyện cho những ý chỉ nêu trên. Tôi mời gọi anh chị em hợp ý cầu nguyện tại thánh Lễ này, cùng quyết tâm tiến tới và được thêm sức mạnh qua Bí Tích Thánh Thể để yêu tha nhân như Chúa Ky-Tô và quyết tâm đi theo con đường mà Thánh Nhân đã đi, cùng làm việc tiến tới sự hiểu biết sâu rộng hơn và hòa nhịp giữa các dân tộc và văn hóa.

Tháng 9 cũng bắt đầu niên học mới. Chúng ta cùng cầu nguyện cho một năm học được bình an trong tất cả trường học, và đặc biệt hơn cầu nguyện cho sự thành công của các trường Công Giáo về hai mặt đức tin và kiến thức.

Sau hết, tình trạng dịch đang lan tràn và nhà thương đang quá tải, đó là thách thức trong tiểu bang và địa phương, cùng cầu nguyện để chấm dứt đại dịch này. Chúng ta cùng cầu nguyện cho những ai đang bệnh và bị dịch Covid-19, và cho tất cả mọi người hết sức rùng mình vì con số bị nhiễm và vào bệnh viện. BC

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Mỗi người đều có giá trị vô biên trước mặt Chúa và người khác. Mỗi người trong chúng ta, khi nhận ra giá trị, thứ cần thiết và phẩm giá con người trong việc làm, còn cao quý hơn việc chúng ta làm. Chúng ta là con cái Chúa trên trời, Ngài yêu thương chúng ta và muốn gần gũi chúng ta trong thời gian có nhiều thử thách để chúng ta nhận thấy Ngài và ban cho chúng ta an bình.

“

Có nhiều ưu tư mà chúng ta cùng hợp nhau cầu nguyện khi chúng ba bước vào tháng 9 với cái nắng gắt gao và ẩm ướt. Tôi kêu gọi anh chị em nhận ra vài ưu tư này. Tháng 9 nằm trong cao điểm mùa bão tố. Bão tố có phần tăng mỗi năm và bây giờ kéo dài 6 tháng từ tháng 6 đến tháng 11. Như chúng ta thường chuẩn bị trong mùa bão là xin Đức Mẹ Hằng Cứu Giúp, qua sự bao bọc của Mẹ, khẩn cầu Chúa Giêsu, Con Tối Cao của ngài, giữ gìn mạng sống và nhà cửa trong mùa bão tố này.

Chúng ta mong có được những ngày mát mẻ vào mùa thu qua mùa bão tố.

Chúng ta cũng cầu nguyện cho những ai còn đang bị ảnh hưởng mùa bão tố năm vừa qua, đặc biệt những người ở thành phố Lake Charles và nằm về miền tây tiểu bang. Xin Chúa ban cho họ nhận được sự giúp đỡ mà họ cần, để giúp họ xây dựng lại cuộc sống và nhà cửa.

Trong tháng 9 chúng ta cũng ghi nhớ Lễ Lao Động và cùng cảm tạ Chúa đã ban cho chúng ta sức lao động. Giá trị lao động giúp chúng ta nuôi sống bản thân và gia đình, và cũng là trải nghiệm và thực thi trách nhiệm bản thân mà nó phản ảnh sự sáng tạo và hữu ích của Thiên Chúa, vì Ngài đã dựng nên mọi thứ và giao trọng trách cho chúng ta cai quản.

Lễ Lao Động thách thức chúng ta tạm dừng hoạt động và tạ ơn Chúa cho những gì Ngài ban và sức lao động mà nó giúp chúng ta trong nhiều hướng đi.

Tuy nhiên, có khi rấ ̉ t nguy hiểm với cảm nhận mạnh mẽ cho rằng giá trị mình đạt được là do công lao tự mình làm nên, tay nghề và việc làm. Trong khi sức lao động rất quan trọng trong đời sống, nhưng nó không thể so sánh với căn tính con người. Chúng ta luôn luôn quan trọng hơn những vông việc ta thực hiện. Chúng ta cần ý thức mỗi

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 11

Comment

Pope Francis: ‘What justifies us is Jesus Christ’ The Pope Speaks

By COURTNEY MARES Vatican City (CNA) Pope Francis said recently that Catholics must observe the commandments with the knowledge that justification comes from Jesus Christ.

“Do we believe in Jesus Christ and do what we want? No,” Pope Francis said in his weekly catechesis.

“The Commandments exist, but they do not justify us. What justifies us is Jesus Christ … And what do we do with the Commandments? We must observe them, but as an aid to the encounter with Jesus Christ,” the pope said in Paul VI Hall.

The pope offered a reflection on St. Paul’s teaching on the Jewish law as a pedagogue in the Letter to the Galatians 3:23-25.

“The Apostle seems to suggest to Christians to divide the history of salvation, and also his personal story, into two periods: Before becoming believers in Christ Jesus and after having received faith,” Pope Francis said.

“At the center is the event of the death and resurrection of Jesus, which Paul preached in order to inspire faith in the Son of God, the source of salvation.”

Pope Francis explained that St. Paul believed that the function of the Jewish law was positive, but limited in time.

“The Torah, that is, the Law, was an act of magnanimity by God toward his people. After the election of Abraham, the other great act was the Law: Fixing the way to go forward,” he said.

“It certainly had restrictive functions, but at the same time it had protected the people, it had educated them,

VATICAN MEDIA PHOTO

Pope Francis greets well wishers during a recent general audience in Paul VI Hall. disciplined them and supported them in their weakness, especially by protecting them from paganism; there were so many pagan attitudes in those times.”

Pope Francis began a cycle of catechesis on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians recently. This was his fifth reflection on the epistle this summer.

St. Paul wrote his letter to Christian converts in the Roman province of Galatia around the year 53 or 54 A.D., according to Catholic biblical scholars.

The central theological question of the Letter to the Galatians is justification: How is a person saved?

“Saint Paul, who loved Jesus and clearly understood what salvation was, has taught us that the ‘children of the promise’ – that is all of us, justified

by Jesus Christ - are no longer bound

12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

by the Law, but are called to the demanding lifestyle of the freedom of the Gospel,” Pope Francis said.

The pope said that St. Paul’s teaching on justification is very important and deserves to be considered carefully.

“It will do us good to ask ourselves if we are still living in the period in which we need the Law, or if instead we are well aware that we have received the grace of having become children of God so as to live in love,” he said.

“How do I live? In fear that if I do not do this I will go to hell? Or do I also live with that hope, with that joy of the gratuitousness of salvation in Jesus Christ? … Do I disregard the Commandments? No. I observe them, but not as absolutes, because I know that what justifies me is Jesus Christ.

BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Wilmer Todd

The power of baptism If an adult comes into the Catholic Church, do they have to be baptized again? If a Catholic leaves the church and becomes a Baptist, why does that person have to be re-baptized?

When I was an active pastor, I conducted baptismal seminars for parents and for godparents. After everyone had a chance to introduce themselves, I would ask each individual, “Do you attend Mass?” I would get various answers from “yes,” “sometimes,” and “no.” I would ask the “no” responders, “Why do you want your child to be baptized if you don’t take part in Mass?” After the initial shock, I would explain the meaning and purpose of baptism.

Baptism by water and by the Holy Spirit is the first of three sacraments of initiation (confirmation and the Eucharist are the other two) that gives access to the other sacraments. It removes and forgives all sins, bestows God’s divine life and grace on the individual, grants a spiritual rebirth, and makes one a member of the church.

Baptism sets up personal relationships with God. The newly baptized become adopted sons or daughters of God with Jesus Christ as their brother. Everyone who is baptized has God’s own divine life in them. All the baptized are part of the body of Christ as St. Paul reminds us, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Every sacrament has two things: Form and matter. The form of the

sacrament is the words that are spoken. For baptism, the form is: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The matter is the water poured over the head of the recipient.

Traditionally, the one being baptized has water poured over them or is fully immersed in water three times.

Additionally, the ceremony includes vows rejecting Satan, vows of the godparents, and the symbols of the white gown and baptismal candle.

These additional aspects are important but not required for all baptisms, especially in emergency situations.

Toward the end of the ceremony, the priest or deacon anoints the head of the one being baptized and says, “As Christ was anointed priest, prophet, and king, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”

As the first letter of Peter reminds us, baptism gives us a share in the royal priesthood of Christ (1 Peter 2:9).

A priest is one who mediates. At every Mass, we take ourselves and others to God’s altar and offer ourselves with Christ to the Father asking for healing or for other blessings from God. A prophet is one who speaks in the name of God. By baptism we are commissioned to speak the message of God to anyone who will listen. A king or queen is one who rules. The first person we have to rule is ourselves, then we can branch out to our family and others.

Baptism makes us a new creature and leaves a spiritual mark of belonging to Christ on our souls. St.

Augustine calls it a “character.” This character is like a brand imprinted on a soldier that cannot be removed. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation … The baptismal seal enables and commits Christians to serve God by a vital participation in the holy liturgy of the church and to exercise their baptismal priesthood by the witness of holy lives and practical charity” (CCC, 1272 and 1273).

If a person comes into the Catholic Church from another Christian Communion that uses the same form and matter that we use in the Catholic Church (see above) then they should not be re-baptized. If another form or matter is used, they should be baptized again.

Most Baptist Churches only recognize the full emersion of the individual to be baptized into a pool of water signifying the dying to the “old person” and emerging as a new person in Christ Jesus. They do not recognize the pouring of water over the head of the person to be baptized. That’s why they re-baptize Catholics and other Christian Church members. BC

Readers are encouraged to send their questions to our local Bayou Catholic columnists by email to bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org.

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13

Reflections

Does your desire for material goods compete with the spiritual goods God offers?

Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Come now, rich ones! Weep as you howl over your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded and their rust will serve as testimony against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages of the workers who mowed your fields, those out of which you cheated them cry out; and the cries of the harvesters to the ears of the Lord of hosts have come. You have lived luxuriously upon the earth and indulged yourselves.

You have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You condemned, you murdered the righteous one. He has not opposed you (James 5:1-6, translation

by Father Glenn LeCompte).

In style of 8th century B.C. Old Testament prophets (e.g. Amos, Isaiah and Micah), James delivers a judgment oracle (speech) citing the behavior of the wealthy as inappropriate for a follower of Jesus who is anticipating his second coming. James 5:1-6 will be read on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sept. 26) this year. The folly of those who are consumed with the material things they possess is that they have focused their lives on things that will be meaningless at Christ’s coming.

James is not so much addressing wealthy people in his community as attempting to demonstrate to his readers the folly of those who are taken up with wealth. After calling the readers to focus on what he is

about to say regarding the wealthy, he warns that the materially-endowed are inviting misery upon themselves.

The miseries of which James speaks refer to the unstable nature of wealth to give comfort to people. When he says that the wealthy’s riches “have rotted,” James is using the Greek perfect tense, which indicates a current state consequent upon a past action.

While this statement underscores the instability of the benefits wealth brings, the author’s allusion to gold and silver corroding or rusting asserts that in consideration of what truly matters they are worthless, although gold and silver do not actually rust. He points out that the same quality of unreliability applies to fine garments, which in the first century also indicated a person’s wealth (e.g. Matthew 11:8). James’ teaching that material wealth is only of transitory value reflects that of Jesus in Luke 12:33, “Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.”

James suggests that the stockpiling of material comforts represents a gathering of evidence against oneself, evidence that will render one subject to an unfavorable judgment. When he speaks of material things eating (consuming) their flesh like fire, he is using a common biblical image of judgment (Isaiah 33:10-14; Matthew

14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

5:22). The phrase “stored up treasures” has a double meaning. On the one hand, the wealthy have literally stored up treasures with the intent of comforting themselves. On the other hand, and ironically, the treasures they stored up will be the evidence against them at the judgment (see above). Why is this? The hoarding of precious material things can endanger one’s faith in and dependence upon God. An abundance of material possessions can make people comfortable and self-sufficient and cause them to adopt a mentality that there is no need for God in their lives.

The desire to accumulate items of wealth can also lead to deceitful practices, such as withholding just wages from workers, an action which is specifically condemned by Deuteronomy 24:14-15. James exposes this crime by quoting Isaiah 5:9, which asserts that the Lord of Hosts hears the cries of those who have been cheated out of houses and property. When James a little later accuses the wealthy of murdering the righteous one, he may be referring to the defrauded workers mentioned earlier. His teaching here may reflect Sirach 34:26-27, “To take away a neighbor’s living is to commit murder; to deny a laborer wages is to shed blood.”

James’ indictment of the wealthy for living luxuriously upon the earth and indulging themselves

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Reflections

echoes Amos’ judgment oracle against complacent rich people in Zion (6:1-7).

By emphasizing that it is “on earth” that these people have engaged in this indulgent lifestyle James stresses again that such opulence is only beneficial to life in this passing world.

As I mentioned earlier, James is probably warning his community members to avoid the pitfalls of materialism. While it is true that passages such as Luke 12:33 (which I quoted above) indicate that those blessed with material wealth can use their abundance justly by giving alms, still we cannot ignore James’ warning about the dangers posed by dependence on material things. Of the seven capital sins (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1866) avarice (greed) is probably the most overlooked in U.S. society. As economic upward mobility increases for many people, even those at a relatively young age can live a very comfortable lifestyle.

We as a society are ever more equating success in life with financial success.

Over and above this is the proliferation of the “Gospel of Prosperity” which is circulating in our society. A Washington Post article (Cathleen Falsani, https://www.washingtonpost. com/wp-srv/special/opinions/outlook/ worst-ideas/prosperity-gospel.html) defines it as follows: “God blesses those God favors most with material wealth.” This is contrary to a number of New Testament passages, especially James 5:1-6 (see also Luke 1:52-53).

James gives us a reality check. We should take inventory of the material comforts we have and how they affect our lives. If we have more than we need to sustain us, we must ask ourselves how that abundance affects our spiritual lives, especially prayer and dependence upon God. We also have to ask if our attachment to and desire for material things impedes our ability to turn outward toward others,

especially to reach out to the poor in their need and to refrain from holding them in contempt. We pray each day that God’s kingdom will come. As we await that day we must procure what is appropriate and necessary for life in it, and jettison what is not. BC

Reflection Questions v Do you possess just what you need to sustain life or more than that?

If more, how does your dependence upon and need for material possessions affect your spiritual life? v How does the desire for material goods compete with the desire for the spiritual goods God offers? v How does your attachment to material possessions or wealth affect your ability to reach out to others, especially those in need?

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1974

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15

September Scripture Readings and a listing of Feast days and saints

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

Weekday Colossians 1:1-8 Luke 4:38-44

5

6

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 35:4-7a James 2:1-5 Mark 7:31-37

Weekday Colossians 1:24— 2:3 Luke 6:6-11

12

13

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 50:4c-9a James 2:14-18 Mark 8:27-35

19 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 James 3:16—4:3 Mark 9:30-37

26 Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Numbers 11:25-29 James 5:1-6 Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the church 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Luke 7:1-10

20 Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and companions, martyrs Ezra 1:1-6 Luke 8:16-18 27 Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, priest Zechariah 8:1-8 Luke 9:46-50

7 Weekday Colossians 2:6-15 Luke 6:12-19

14 Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Numbers 21:4b-9 Philippians 2:6-11 John 3:13-17

21 Feast of Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:9-13

28 Weekday Zechariah 8:20-23 Luke 9:51-56

16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

Weekday Colossians 1:9-14 Luke 5:1-11

8

9

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Micah 5:1-4a Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, priest Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 6:27-38

15

16

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Timothy 3:14-16 John 19:25-27

22 Weekday Ezra 9:5-9 Luke 9:1-6

29 Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 John 1:47-51

Weekday Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Colossians 1:21-23 pope and doctor of Luke 6:1-5 the church Colossians 1:15-20 Luke 5:33-39

10 Weekday 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14 Luke 6:39-42

17

Memorial of Saints Weekday 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop Luke 8:1-3 martyrs 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Luke 7:36-50

23 Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, priest Haggai 1:1-8 Luke 9:7-9

30 Memorial of Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the church Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 Luke 10:1-12

24 Weekday Haggai 2:1-9 Luke 9:18-22

11 Weekday 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Luke 6:43-49

18 Weekday 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Luke 8:4-15

25 Weekday Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a Luke 9:43b-45

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September

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Assisted Living Community

Universal An environmentally sustainable lifestyle We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.

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September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 17

Special

‘Am I my brothers’ keeper?’

COVID-19 and the common good Guest Columnist Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

When God asks Cain about Abel’s absence in Genesis 4:9, Cain responds, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” and evades having to answer truthfully that he had killed his own brother out of anger and jealousy.

And yet as Christians, we are called to watch over and care for our brothers and sisters, to be their keeper. Christ commanded us to model his sacrificial love, “Love one another as I love you” (John 15:12).

Over the past year and a half, our normal way of life faced great hardships because of the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the world, family life, work, school, recreation and even worship were greatly affected. We suddenly realized what really matters to us in life.

The Approaching Storm In March of 2020, perhaps Pope Francis’s extraordinary Urbi et Orbi (to the City of Rome and to the World) showed just how different the world had become. The world saw an elderly pope dressed in his white cassock, walking up the steps, alone, in the light rain under a darkening sky, reaching the solitary podium and turning to address an unfamiliar sight, not thousands of people waiting to see and hear him, but instead St. Peter’s Square empty of flashing cameras from tourists but instead reflecting off the rain-soaked pavement the flashing blue lights from the police cars outside Vatican City.

“For weeks now it has been evening,” said Pope Francis. “Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our

March 2020 - Pope Francis in an empty St. Peter’s Square streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void, that stops everything as it passes by; we feel it in the air, we notice it in people’s gestures, their glances give them away.”

The television cameras broadcasted such a powerful moment. No Oscarwinning director could have scripted and directed a more powerful cinematic image. Though separated from one another throughout the world, for a moment there was a sense of being together, united by Christ and filled with the light of hope in the midst of darkness. We were in the boat with Christ being tossed about by a pandemic storm with waves of uncertainty engulfing both the boat and our spirits, but at that moment came a sense of peace and comfort.

Pope Francis encouraged the world, “From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s

18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Matthew 28:5). And we, together with Peter, ‘cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care about us’ (cf. 1 Peter 5:7).” We would be able to weather the approaching storm.

The Italian Experience As this storm moved throughout the world, countries began to lockdown with people sheltering in place. In Italy, we were mandated to remain in our own dwellings for what ended up being a total of eight weeks, with periodic lockdowns throughout the next year, especially at Christmas and Easter. The effects of the virus were devastating to the people and their carefree life in Italy.

Having lived in Rome for five

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Special

Our own doctor knows our medical conditions and whether we should take or refrain from the vaccine. years as a seminarian and now for five more as a faculty member, I always thought Italy was a country filled with hypochondriacs. God forbid a person opens a window to let cool air into a sweltering classroom or cramped public bus. You are treated as though you just invited a serial killer into the place.

Frantic outbursts of “Mal aria!” (“Evil air!”) or “Mal fagato!” (“Liver pain!”) ring out as the Italians instinctively raised their shirt collars around their necks or hugged their chests to prevent this unwanted breath from the Angel of Death claiming his next victim.

They insisted this cold draft would get them sick, and they might even die.

If just this action causes fear, then a true pandemic would trigger greater anxieties.

When the pandemic affected Italy and the death toll quickly rose, the government officials immediately put the country into lockdown. Nonessential businesses closed; foreign tourists and students quickly boarded flights home; in-person classes were suspended; and even the Catholic Church stopped celebrating public

Masses by the order of the Diocese of Rome. The virus and its effects were such an unknown that there was a pervading thought that even leaving your home might be a deadly act. It was as though the virus lurked around every corner and waited to attack its next victim like a pack of rabid wolves.

Fear perhaps became an unlikely ally in complying with the mandates until a vaccine could be produced.

Living in a foreign country has perhaps given me a different perspective on the pandemic and the measures taken to combat it and helped to temper my American understanding of freedom and liberty.

When the reality of the increasing numbers of those contracting and those dying from COVID-19 were broadcast each day, the Italians were willing to heed the various directives issued— mask mandates, sheltering in place, etc. It was less a political issue and more about what was good for all.

Italians were willing to forego some of the usual activities in order to save the lives of their older citizens and support the common good.

Vaccine for the Common Good It is from the viewpoint of the common good—that which is necessary to promote the good of all—that the church has responded to the pandemic.

It is why various measures were taken in dioceses throughout the world—from temporarily suspending the celebration of public Masses and dispensing from the Sunday obligation, to gathering with social distancing and face coverings, to unconventional locations to celebrate the sacraments.

Many facets of our lives became altered because of the pandemic, including the practice our faith—how many of us entered the church, squirted hand sanitizer and then absentmindedly made the sign of the cross, forgetting it was not holy water? How we longed to get back to normal, but that normalcy requires extra effort and sacrifices.

To protect others from the deadly effects of COVID-19, especially the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, Pope Francis has encouraged people to be vaccinated for the sake of the common good. During an interview in January, Pope

a

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19

Special

‘Am I my brothers’ keeper?’

COVID-19 and the common good

Cont.

Francis suggested that people have a moral duty to receive a COVID vaccine, “It’s an ethical action, because you are gambling with your health, you are gambling with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others.

I’ve signed up [to receive the vaccine].

One must do it.”

Some concerns arose about the vaccines’ development through cells from aborted children and their possible adverse effects (See Father Brice Higginbotham’s article in the February 2021 Bayou Catholic “Questions of Faith” column). Earlier in December of 2020, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued a statement that it was “morally acceptable” for Catholics to take the vaccines. Both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict received the Pfizer vaccine in mid-January.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, which is composed of academic experts dedicated to promoting the church’s consistent life ethic and doing related research in bioethics and Catholic moral theology, organized the International Roundtable on Vaccination with the Academy, the World Medical Association, and the German Medical Association attending.

At the press conference on July 1, 2021, Archbishop Paglia noted that both his bioethics academy and the Vatican’s doctrine office have declared COVID-19 vaccines safe, effective and ethical.

By mid-August, approximately 70 percent of the Italian population over 12 years old have received their first dose with about 65 percent being fully vaccinated as compared to about 40 percent of the population in Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes receiving their first dose and 31 percent being fully vaccinated.

Because Italians are seemingly social

by nature, most Italians were looking forward to getting the vaccine if it meant getting back to a normal way of life with family gatherings, having meals together, going to church, and attending sporting events.

Matter of Conscience While some people throughout the world are choosing to be vaccinated, others are not. The issue then arises between voluntarily choosing or mandating to be vaccinated. This is where the matter of conscience enters the decision. The church upholds the person’s right to follow his or her own conscience; however, we are obligated to have a correctly formed conscience.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened. A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings” (1783).

Perhaps there has been some difficulty forming the conscience to choose to be vaccinated or not.

There are many “voices” forming the conscience, but not all “voices” are created equal or are competent to form the mind and heart. The internet and social media have given voice to the voiceless, but some voices should remain silent. Just because some people love to sing, that doesn’t mean they can. Our friend’s latest vaccine information they read from Snip-NClip medical blog is not the same as our doctor’s recommendation. Our own doctor knows our medical conditions and whether we should take or refrain from the vaccine.

We have entered a crisis of credibility.

In the past, people looked to leaders in established institutions—churches, governments, schools and universities, and the media—for guidance and direction.

Because of scandals, corruption and partisan politics, people question and doubt the voices in these institutions unless they agree with their own position. The great question

20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

becomes, “Whom do I believe?”

These platforms have allowed a world to be connected and can bring about much good and knowledge; however, they also contain many harmful things and untruths. A person can find any opinion and information to support what he or she believes, but not every blog, social media post, or “news” story carries the same weight.

How discerning are we with what we read? Is it fact or opinion? What are the credentials of the person posting the information?

How we answer these questions will tell how we form our conscience. We might be true to our conscience, but we can still be in error because we may be ignorant of the truth or the information we hold as true is objectively false. In other words, we can be misinformed (see further CCC 1790-1794).

To get the vaccine or not may be a difficult choice but there is a principle for us to follow. We are reminded, “Man is sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult. But he must always seriously seek what is right and good, and discern the will of God expressed in divine law” (CCC 1787).

We must ask ourselves: What is the right thing to do? What is the common good? What is God’s will? It takes study, prayer and reflection. This is how I decided to choose to get the vaccine. While I had tested positive for COVID in January, I determined after consultation with competent medical authorities that getting the vaccine was for the greater common good and would not compromise my own health. I live in a seminary with many others, attend various public gatherings, reside in a foreign country and would not want to be a burden to their health system, and am called on to minister to the elderly and others with vulnerable health situations. If I did not get vaccinated, then I would take every precaution to prevent others from getting sick. I have a moral obligation. Having known others who were sick and others who have died from the virus and the effects on their families, I do not want to be the cause of another’s illness or, God forbid, death.

Yes, I am my brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. Aren’t we all? BC

Seminarian eDucation burSeS Seminarian Spotlight Zachary Howick n What church parish are you from?

Maria Immacolata, Houma n Where are you studying and in what year of your studies are you?

I am in my last year of academic formation at Notre Dame. n Where are you from (born and raised)?

I was born in Grand Forks, ND, and was raised in that part of the country. n When did you hear your call to the priesthood?

I first seriously considered it in high school after getting to know the priests in the area where I was raised. n Who is your favorite saint and why?

Thomas Becket … I have found much worth in his letters, and his example of holiness. n What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Surrender everything to God. n Do you have a secret talent?

I used to dabble in playing the bagpipes. n If you could travel to any point in history, what time would you travel to?

Medieval England

DiD you know?

Seminarian eDucation coStS on average $45,000 a year for eight yearS Seminarian enDowmentS can be nameD enDoweD funDS/burSeS. each year intereSt earneD from the enDowmentS are granteD to the DioceSe to cover annual coStS of their eDucation. catholic founDation of South louiSiana manageS Seminarian enDowmentS for the DioceSe.

all completeD Seminarian eDucation burSeS can be vieweD online at www.htDioceSe.org/vocationS For more information contact the Catholic Foundation at 985-850-3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Heavenly Recipes

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Holly cooks a healthy meal

Holly Becnel 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

This month’s Heavenly Recipe comes from Vacherie native and Chackbay resident Holly Becnel. Holly and her husband Thomas have been living in Chackbay for the past 20 years.

They have two adult children who are in the military, Erica and Hunter.

Holly is sharing her recipe of maple glazed salmon. “I got this recipe from a local home improvement and food show recently. I love this recipe. I could eat it every week!”

Holly says that she is cooking now more than she used to.

She likes to cook in black iron skillets. “I love to bake. I enjoy baking cakes, cookies and homemade brownies. My mom used to bake wedding cakes for local weddings. My mom and the local ladies of the neighborhood would get together at our house and bake wedding cakes for the local women getting married.

My grandmother taught me how to make the decorative roses on the wedding cakes by hand. It is a very labor intensive process.”

“My dad was the outdoorsman of the family; he would hunt and fish. He also had a large vegetable garden. He would grow the vegetables and my mom would cook them. He was also a fisherman. My dad was known for his fresh catfish and boiled crabs.”

Holly is the youngest of eight children in her family. “My parents were older when I was born. They were both well into their 40s. I have a greater appreciation for them now. They were at the age where they were wise when I was a youngster.

When I was 12, my dad made the camp on the lake our home.

I used to travel by boat to get to and from home. I was always kidded that I had to get on a boat to come to work.”

Holly has been working for the diocese for the past 38 years.

She started working part-time in 1983, then began working full-time in the finance department in 1984, where she worked for the next seven years.

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Heavenly Recipes

Maple Glazed Salmon For marinade: 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup maple syrup Place soy sauce and maple syrup in a plastic zip lock bag. Lower slab of salmon into the mixture. Release as much air as possible and zip close. Place in refrigerator overnight meat down. When ready to skillet fry, take salmon out of mixture and place on a dish. I sprinkle with Chef Paul Prudhomme’s salmon season mix, but you can sprinkle any season you would like (salt, pepper) OR none at all. Prep your skillet with a tablespoon or two of olive oil (I use a black iron skillet). Heat oil till hot and slightly smoking (medium high). Lay salmon skin down into the pan and allow to sit for 6-7 minutes.

The skin will get brown and dark. Flip salmon over and cook until flesh side starts to brown, 5-6 minutes more.

When salmon is done to your likeness transfer to plate and let cool. (Some people eat the skin – I prefer not to).

For drizzle sauce: 1/3 cup soy sauce 2/3 cup maple syrup Combine the soy sauce and maple syrup together in a sauce pan; place on medium to low heat until bubbly.

Simmer until sauce reduces to a syrup like substance.

Drizzle over salmon.

After returning from maternity leave for her first child, Erica, she began working for computer support and finance reconciliation. She was working directly with the late Msgr. James Songy. “I went back to school at night to study networking. I received certification at Fletcher as a Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA). I could assist the Catholic schools with their networking needs in technology and networking capabilities. When Msgr. Songy retired, the Office of Computer Operations/Technology was formed.”

Holly was named director of the new office, a position that she still holds today.

Holly has a love for the church and she also enjoys the challenges and changes that come with computer technology.

“I love the church. I love working for the church. I have always viewed myself as working for God. I feel that what I do is truly ministry and that ministry is in the form of technical skills. I bring God’s message to his people through technology.”

Working all of her adult life here has given Holly a chance to reflect on what it means to grow and mature as an adult while working for the church. “I have grown to a different level of faith over the years because of the personal experiences and relationships that have been formed. Working for the diocese led me to a deeper faith realizing the humanness of all our clergy and a different definition of who Jesus was, seeing his humanity, not just the spiritual Jesus. I grew up here. It’s always been ministry for me. It’s never been just a job.” BC

Special

To understand Pope Francis’ decree on the Latin Mass we must know its history Guest Columnist Father Wilmer Todd

(This is part one of a series of articles on the history of the Roman Catholic Mass.)

An interview on my phone featured a gentleman who was commenting on Pope Francis’ new instructions limiting the use of the Latin Mass. He said, “I prefer the English Mass, but we have to respect the Latin Mass because it is 1,500 years old.” I know he was not a historian, because Pope St. Pius V promulgated the Tridentine Mass in

1570 which is only 451 years ago.

This made me think that many Catholics and others do not know the history of the Roman Catholic Mass. I would like to submit a brief history of the Mass.

It all started at the Last Supper. Jesus was gathered with his followers for the Feast of the Passover. The Passover was a family celebration, so the apostles and their families who came to Jerusalem for the feast and those women St. Luke mentioned in his Gospel were probably in the Upper Room for the ritual. To think otherwise would be like someone at Thanksgiving announcing: “This year, we will only invite men for the Thanksgiving dinner.”

During this family ritual, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it saying, “Take this all of you and eat it; for this is my Body that is broken for you.” Later he said, “Take this all of you and drink

24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

of it; for this is my blood that is poured out for you. Do this in memory of me.”

The earliest account of the early church celebrating the Eucharist is found in St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians written around 53-57 A.D.: “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Documents like the Didache (late 1st to early 2nd Century) show how the early Christians celebrated

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“

The earliest account of the early church celebrating the Eucharist is found in St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians written around 53-57 A.D.

“

the Eucharist; it was communal, and it was celebrated every Sunday at someone’s home sometimes in the context of a larger meal (1 Corinthians 11:20-22). The liturgy involved the sharing of the Word (oral tradition and Scripture including psalms) and the memorial of the Last Supper (loaves of bread and wine brought from the homes of the faithful).

Around the year 155, St. Justin Martyr wrote the pagan emperor, Antoninus Pius, in Rome explaining what Christians did at Mass. “On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. We read the memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets as much as time permits.

When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.

“Then we all rise and offer prayers for ourselves, and for all others, wherever

they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, to obtain eternal salvation. When we conclude the prayers, we exchange the kiss.

“Then someone brings bread and a

cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the people. He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks that we have been judged worthy of these gifts.

“When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying ‘Amen.’ When the presider has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we call deacons give to those present the ‘blessed’ bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent.”

This is the basic structure of our Mass today!

Next month, we will see how this same structure we have today has changed over the years.

(Father Wilmer Todd is a retired priest of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.) BC

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985-879-2403 September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 25

Special

The Good Shepherd Guest Columnist Father Michael Bergeron

(This is part one in a series of articles about the relationship of a shepherd with his flock.)

A minister once phoned in his Sunday morning sermon title to the religion editor of the local newspaper.

He said, “The topic for my message is, `The Lord is My Shepherd.’” The editor asked, “Is that all?” Trying to make a spiritual point, the pastor replied, “That’s enough!” On Saturday, when the paper was delivered to the pastor’s door, he immediately opened it to the section containing the church notices.

His topic for the sermon read: “The Lord is My Shepherd – That’s Enough!”

And it is enough. Just knowing that one thing is medicine for our souls.

Sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times, more than any other animal. The prominence of sheep in the Bible grows out of two realities. Sheep were important to the nomads and agricultural life of the Hebrews. Secondly, sheep are used throughout the Bible to symbolically refer to God’s people.

Shepherds play a significant part in the story of Jesus. They not only

remind us that Jesus is descended from David, who himself was a shepherd from Bethlehem, they also symbolize the loving care that was to be central to Jesus’ ministry. Jesus would later describe himself as the Good Shepherd, knowing that anyone in Palestine would understand that the relationship between a good shepherd and his sheep was one of trust and care as immortalized in the 23rd Psalm, which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” I’ll break that one open for you later.

The Sheep First, let’s talk about sheep. Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t particularly care for being compared to a sheep. If the Lord is our Shepherd, we must be sheep. And that is not a very appealing image. Sheep are not the brightest of animals. They are constantly getting themselves in trouble and once in trouble they often can’t get themselves out.

Sheep and goats were raised for meat, milk and wool. The Scriptures are full of pastoral people such as the Israelites – sheep provided both food and clothing. Yet, sheep are highmaintenance creatures. They must be protected from bad weather and predatory animals. They must be led to water to drink. They learn the voice of their own shepherd, and refuse to respond to anyone else’s commands.

When they are sick or injured, they must be carried from place to place by the shepherd. When Jesus likens the crowds to sheep without a shepherd,

26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

he is speaking to their needing help in order to survive.

The main part of Judea is a high plateau that stretches from Bethel to Hebron, a distance of 35 miles. But it’s only 14 to 17 feet across. The ground around these highlands is rough and stony, completely unsuitable for farming but somewhat useful as pasture land. There is so little grass, that the animals tend to wander and have to be watched.

That is why no flock ever grazes without a shepherd, so the shepherd is always on duty – and believe me, it’s a hard life. On the other side of this plateau, the ground drops suddenly to a desert below, so of course, wandering sheep can get lost. On top of all that, the shepherd has to guard his flock against wild animals such as wolves, and against thieves who would steal his sheep.

We’re told that sheep always travel in a straight line, which creates problems when a shepherd calls the sheep farther up a hillside: The animals will not walk around hazardous obstacles, but will walk right off the path, getting hurt in the process. This problem is compounded by the fact that sheep will blindly, habitually, stupidly follow one another . . . sometimes to their deaths.

In the Highlands, when sheep wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can’t get out of, shepherds don’t go after them immediately. The grass on these mountains is very sweet and the sheep like it, and they will jump down 10 or 12 feet from the

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Part One paths to get at it, and then they can’t get back to the path again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. They may be there for days, until they have eaten all the grass.

The shepherd will wait until they are so faint they cannot stand, and then he will go to the sheep and put a rope around it, and he will pull that sheep up out of the jaws of death.

You might ask: “Why don’t they go after the sheep when it first gets in trouble?” The answer is that the sheep are so very foolish they would be startled by the shepherd and dash right over the surrounding cliffs and be killed!

Can you imagine creatures who are that foolish and that helpless at times?

Well, yes we can. Homo Sapiens.

Human beings.

By nature, sheep have three strikes against them. First, sheep are dumb, second, sheep are directionless and get lost, and third, sheep are defenseless. By their very nature, sheep need a shepherd The Shepherd The life of a shepherd was very hard. The shepherd was never off duty.

There being little grass, the sheep were bound to wander, and since there were no protecting walls, the sheep had to be watched constantly. On either side of the narrow plateau, the ground dipped sharply down to the craggy deserts and the sheep were always liable to stray away and get lost. The shepherd’s task was not only constant but dangerous, for, in addition, he had to guard the flock against wild animals, especially against wolves, and there were always

This painting of “The Good Shepherd” by Sister Mary Baptist Savoy, OCarm, was painted in 1996 as an ordination gift to Father Michael Bergeron. thieves and robbers ready to steal the sheep. With little pay and little human contact, being a shepherd had little to recommend it. A thankless job, indeed.

Yet this is exactly how Christ portrayed himself – as a shepherd. And that is the most familiar image we have of Christ – a shepherd holding a lamb in his arms. How sweet – how tender.

But a lamb is not a full-grown sheep.

Its wool is not wet and matted. It isn’t caught in a crevasse. It is not bleating for the shepherd to come to its rescue.

In Palestine 2,000 years ago, shepherds rarely bathed. In that dry and dusty land, water was a luxury. It was used primarily for drinking and for

caring for your sheep, not bathing. The shepherd spent most of his time around sheep, not other people. To identify God with a shepherd was hardly a compliment. A comparable picture of God might be an image of God spending his hours in flop houses where drug addicts finish out their days poking their arms with unsanitary needles. It might be a picture of God who spends his hours in the garbage heaps of a South American city where children scavenge for food. It is a picture of God stretched out naked on a cross in the company of thieves. This is how much God loves us, the picture screams out.

God is the God of lost sheep.

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September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 27

Special

The Good Shepherd Part One Cont.

The shepherd’s lot was not an easy one. He was almost always outdoors, with only a camel-hair cloak and a simple head veil to protect him from the wind and the rain and from the burning heat of the midday sun.

Generally, a shepherd ate only what he could carry with him – bread, cheese, olives, figs, dates and raisins.

You cannot think of a Good Shepherd without knowing that he must love us beyond measure if we are like sheep to him. A sheep is smelly, with an oily kind of dirt that lingers on anything it touches and soaks right through clothing to give an overall aroma long after you are away from it. Our Good Shepherd carries our stench.

At the birth of our Lord, the primary

attendants are shepherds. If there is a more humble occupation in the world than that of a shepherd, I don’t know what it is. In the world of that time, faithful Jews were warned by their rabbis against entering six professions.

One of those forbidden occupations was shepherding. Conscientious Pharisees would never consider doing business with a shepherd. They would buy wool and milk, but never from the shepherd himself. Shepherds weren’t even allowed to give testimony in court. In fact, shepherds were not permitted to enter places of worship. They could not go into the temple or synagogue. Why? For one thing, shepherds were constantly walking among the

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28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

droppings of the sheep, and this made them ritually unclean. Second, shepherds ranged their sheep throughout the countryside, without paying attention to property lines.

In other words, they were constantly trespassing. They were considered thieves and liars, dirty and disgusting.

They were despised and considered to have one foot in hell. Now that’s a far cry from those cute little figures you see in that Nativity Scene. Why, the Willie Nelsons of that day would probably sing: “Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be shepherds!”

(Father Michael Bergeron is a retired priest of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.) BC

September Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

Rev. Shenan Boquet

Rev. Thomas Bouterie

Rev. Stuart King

Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired

Deacon Larry Callais

Msgr. Frederic Brunet, retired

Rev. Domingo Cruz, retired

Rev. Wilfredo Decal, retired

Rev. Scott Dugas, retired

Rev. P.J. Madden, retired

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Seminarian Zachary Howick

Rev. Roch Naquin, retired

Rev. Ty Nguyen, retired

Rev. Charles Perkins, retired

Rev. Florentino Santiago, retired

Rev. Caesar Silva, retired

Sister Carmelita Centanni, M.S.C.

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Rev. Wilmer Todd, retired

Rev. Jerry Villarrubia, retired

Brother Patrick McGinity, S.C.

Very Rev. Jay Baker, J.C.L.

Rev. Paul Birdsall

Deacon Lee Crochet

Rev. Rusty Bruce

26

27

28

29

30

Deacon Martin Dickerson

Sister Caterina Maria Adelaide Curth, M.T.

Deacon William Dunckelman

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

Daily Prayer for Clergy and Religious Lord Jesus, hear our prayer for the spiritual renewal of bishops, priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, lay ministers and seminarians of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We praise You for giving their ministry to the Church. In these days, renew them with the gifts of Your Spirit.

You once opened the Holy Scriptures to Your disciples when You walked on this earth. Now renew Your ordained and chosen ones with the truth and power of Your Word.

In Eucharist you gave Your disciples renewed life and hope. Nourish Your consecrated ones with Your own Body and Blood. Help them to imitate in their lives the death and resurrection they celebrate around Your altar.

Give them enthusiasm for the Gospel, zeal for the salvation of all people, courage in leadership and humility in service.

Give them Your love for one another and for all their brothers and sisters in You. For You love them, Lord Jesus, and we love and pray for them in Your Holy Name, today especially for _______________________. Amen.

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September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29

Youth

in action Olivia Black

School: Central Catholic School, Morgan City Grade: 12th Church parish: Holy Cross, Morgan City Describe your family unit: Alaina Black, mother; Chris Black, father; Talen, Brennan, Micheal, Tyler and Brendan, brothers Favorite Hobby: Softball and hanging out with friends Favorite Movie: Five Feet Apart Favorite T.V. Show: Full House Favorite Genre of Music: Country or anything upbeat

How does your Christian faith relate to your everyday life?

My Christian faith relates to my everyday life in more ways than I could imagine. For instance, I pray when I wake up, throughout my day, and before I go to sleep. Growing up in Catholic school my whole life, we are taught to see the good in people, love everyone, and put God first. This background of faith that I have helps me strive to do those actions daily. I participate in clubs at school, such as retreat team and Sisters in Christ, which also allow me to grow my love for God and put it into practice every day with my friends and teachers. My faith also allows me to know not to worry about life’s struggles.

I put all my trust in God every day to

get through whatever the day has in store. One of my favorite quotes I live by is Proverbs 3:5-7: ”Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil.” With the uncertainty of our world, I tend to stress over problems I cannot control, but this reminds me that the Lord already has it taken care of. As I got older and finally realized that I am living for someone greater

30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

than anything on this earth and that he chooses me every day to live for him brings me hope and happiness.

This helps me get through all of life’s struggles and to try to be a good and helping friend to everyone. It also helps me be a better leader for my school as a role model to the underclassmen and helps me be a great teammate during sports. Overall, my Christian faith makes me a better person. It formed me into the follower of Christ I am today and I will continue to help others learn his love and goodness. BC

Church Life

Acadian Mass The annual Acadian Mass held at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church in Mathews was celebrated in conjunction with the feast of the Assumption.

Friar Nathaniel Maria Gadalia, a native of Orleans, France, was the principal celebrant of the Mass, which he celebrated in French, with Bishop Shelton J. Fabre presiding. Priests of the diocese concelebrated the Mass. Catholics from across the diocese gathered for the Mass which celebrated the Cajun culture of the bayou area.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 31

Church Life

Youth Leadership Award

Diocesan Service Award

Diocesan Service and Youth Leadership Awards presented During the month of August, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, along with the pastors, presented the Diocesan Service and Youth Leadership Awards to lay men, women and youth in each of the church parishes in appreciation of their many unselfish contributions of time and talent to the life of the parish.

Each pastor was asked to nominate two adult and two youth recipients for these awards, which are modeled after the diocese’s two patron saints and their charisms: St. Joseph (hidden service) and St. Francis de Sales (spirituality of the laity).

The recipients of this year’s diocesan service and youth leadership awards are as follows.

Service Award: Timothy Murphy, Alice Ray, Youth Award: Kayleen Flores, Annunziata, Houma; Service Award: Kenneth Bourgeois, Denise David, Youth Award: Hunter Adams, Tabitha Clement, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Service Award: Mandi Gros, Glenn Sapia, Youth Award: Brennan Falgout, Samantha Howes, Community

of St. Anthony, Gheens; Service Award: Hubert Aulds, Kellye Patterson, Youth Award: Tyler Besse, Hallie Crappell, Holy Cross, Morgan City; Service Award: Karey Scott, Kelly Parfait, Youth Award: Mariah Parfait, Holy Family, Grand Caillou; Service Award: Doug Fuselier, Cynthia Mire, Youth Award: Luke Legendre, Emily Parfait, Holy Savior, Lockport; Service Award: Gretchen Autin, Youth Award: Madison Bernard, Jena Modisette, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Service Award: Anthony Waguespack, Randall Zeringue, Youth Award: Lauren Badeaux, Elise Kliebert, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay; Service Award: Donald Plaisance, Gwendolyn Theriot, Youth Award: Shaylin Collins, Cohen Terrebonne, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow; Service Award: Elizabeth Watkins, Youth Award: Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle; Service Award: Whiley Landry, Melanie Pontiff, Youth Award: Camron Bourg, Destiny LeBoeuf, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma;

32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

Service Award: Willie Curole, Mona Curole, Youth Award: Elissa Walker, Grant Rebstock, Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose; Service Award: Maggie Daigneault, Mitchell Pitre, Youth Award: Ashlyn Duet, Isabella Lasseigne, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Service Award: Spencer Rhodes, Mona Stoufflet, Youth Award: Alaina Lirette, Sage Verdin, Sacred Heart, Montegut; Service Award: Larry Besse, Susanne Myers, Youth Award: Jackson Kenney, Grace Toups, Sacred Heart, Morgan City; Service Award: Jeffrey Pennison, Suzanne Woods, Youth Award: Adria Crochet, St. Andrew, Amelia; Service Award: Johnnie Occhionero, Lanny Ross, Youth Award: Hailey Doiron, Zack Dupre, St. Ann, Bourg; Service Award: Barry Hebert, Mary Massey, Youth Award: Kaleen Freerksen, Thomas Massey, St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black; Service Award: Milhado Shaffer III, Martha Valure, Youth Award: Ethan Authement, Abigail Fanguy, St. Bernadette, Houma;

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Church Life

Service Award: Sandra Picou, Edith Theriot, Youth Award: Caden Chambless, Laurel Walther, St. Bridget, Schriever; Service Award: Larry Dupre, Wilsey Dupre, Youth Award: Taylor Dardar, St. Charles Borromeo, Pointeaux-Chenes; Service Award: David Champagne, Helen Zeringue, Youth Award: Mariana Robichaux, Nathan Savoie, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community; Service Award: Adeline Theriot, Robert Vice, Youth Award: Lauren Bascle, Emily Poiencot, St. Eloi, Theriot; Service Award: Anna Larriviere, Brenda Tanner, Youth Award: Olivia Cenac, Anna Pennison, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Service Award: Joan Barletta, Jerry Monier, Youth Award: Abigail Larose, Johnathan Nguyen, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Service Award: Michael Hebert

Jr., Fay Theriot, Youth Award: Chris DeJean, St. Gregory, Houma; Service Award: Dwayne Detillier, Herbert Theriot, Youth Award: Kenneth Fairchild, Vivian Katz, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews; Service Award: Valley Martinez Jr., Youth Award: St. James Chapel, Choctaw; Service Award: Bernard Blank, Charlene Blank, Youth Award: Mary Morgan, St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Service Award: Jamie Babin, Lloyd Thibodeaux, Youth Award: Maddie Callahan, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Service Award: Gail Gisclair, Landry Wunstell, Youth Award: Jackson Bourgeois, Abbi Collins, St. Joseph, Galliano; Service Award: Francis Waguespack III, Debra Waguespack, Youth Award: St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Service Award: Anne-Marie Boudreaux, Paul LeBlanc, Youth Award: Frances

Boudreaux, Luke Boudreaux, St. Lawrence, Chacahoula; Service Award: Shelia Larousse, Debra Lassere, Youth Award: Dre’ Andras, Rylee Ruelet, St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer; Service Award: Tessie Guidroz, Craig Naquin, Youth Award: Samuel Authement, Marie Donnelly, St. Louis, Bayou Blue; Service Award: Adrian Thibodaux, Youth Award: Triana Bergeron, Malcolm Washington, St. Lucy, Houma; Service Award: Ray Dickerson, Allyson Winston, Youth Award: Trinity Ward, St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Service Award: Betty Adams, Presley Babin, Youth Award: Luke Gervais, Gabrielle Thibodaux, St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland; Service Award: Michael Chiasson, Kenneth Rachal, Windy Rachal, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux. BC

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Do this in remembrance of me MARCH 2018 ~ VOL. 38 NO. 9 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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Announcements

William J. (Bill) Barbera named new chief operating and financial officer for diocese

William J. (Bill) Barbera

William J. (Bill) Barbera has been named the new chief operating and financial officer of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre announced last month. Barbera previously served the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux under Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs from 2003-2008 as business manager, member of the bishop’s cabinet, consultant to the finance council and cemeteries trust board, and trustee on the priests’ pension trust, as

well as coordinator of Administration Ministries.

“I believe I speak for the rest of our diocesan staff in saying that it is with great excitement that we welcome Bill back to the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux,” says Bishop Fabre. “He served us with distinction a number of years ago and we are pleased that he has agreed to return in this new and expanded role. I am confident that his leadership ability and financial skill set will be a great asset to the diocese.”

Since 2008, Barbera has been serving as the senior vice-president and chief financial officer of United Community Bank in Raceland. During this time, he has also served on the boards of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux and the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana.

The Napoleonville native is a graduate of E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in accounting, along with post graduate credits from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

After serving active duty in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of captain, he began a career in the banking and financial services industry that spans nearly 35 years.

“I am extremely excited to serve our church and Bishop Fabre during this challenging, yet exciting time,” says Barbera. “The full implementation of the strategic planning initiative, a monumental effort of so many faithful people, along with a focus on the operational reform progress in the last few years under the guidance of Jon Toups (Barbera’s predecessor as chief operating and financial officer) will be our immediate focus. I look forward to working alongside Bishop Fabre as he continues to shepherd his flock.”

Barbera currently resides in Thibodaux with his wife of 39 years, Dawn Dugas Barbera, where they are parishioners of St. Genevieve Church.

The couple has three adult sons, Josh, 39; Blake, 36; and Jordan, 30; and three granddaughters, Hailey, 8; Jenna, 4; and Ciara, 1. BC

Red Mass to be celebrated Thursday, Oct. 7 The annual diocesan Red Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, at Noon, by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre to pray for all members of the legal profession. Father Joseph S. Palermo, J.D., will be the homilist.

Father Palermo, a native of New Orleans, attended Jesuit High School and the University of New Orleans, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in English. He went on to receive a juris doctorate from Louisiana State University and practiced law as a civil trial attorney in Metairie for 12 years.

Father Palermo began attending daily Mass and became very actively involved in church ministry. After sensing a call to priesthood and a lengthy time of discernment, he quit his law practice and entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, where he

Father Joseph S. Palermo, J.D.

received a master’s of divinity in 1994.

After serving as adjunct spiritual director at Notre Dame Seminary, Father Palermo sought additional formation in that area by enrolling in a two-year training program for spiritual directors offered by the archdiocesan

34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

Spirituality Center. In 2004, he was certified as a spiritual director and in 2007, Archbishop Alfred Hughes appointed him the spiritual director at Notre Dame Seminary, where he has served to the present date.

The Red Mass, which is usually celebrated near the opening of the judicial season, is open to all legal professionals, their staffs, their families and to the public.

As of press time, the public is invited to attend. However, masks and social distancing guidelines are to be observed, and hand sanitizing is also encouraged. Please check the diocesan website (htdiocese.org) or your local church parish for current information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and guidelines. BC

Announcements

Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2 The Diocese of HoumaThibodaux’s 2021 Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession will take place Saturday, Oct. 2, beginning with 7:30 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Golden Meadow.

Following Mass, the boat procession will make its way up the bayou to Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Larose. The procession will depart Larose by firetruck with stops at Holy Savior Church in Lockport and St. Mary’s Nativity Church in Raceland, arriving at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux at approximately 1:15 p.m. The procession will then continue on foot to St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux for Benediction beginning at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, call Greg at (985) 637-8198, go to htdiocese. org/new-evangelization or visit Facebook at Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession.

Everyone is invited to take part in this procession. BC

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Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

Announcements

St. Luke Masses for Medical and Mental Health Professionals next month The annual St. Luke Masses for Medical and Mental Health Professionals will be celebrated in all individual church parishes the weekend of Oct. 9-10 or Oct. 16-17 this year.

The Mass will include a prayerful recognition of those in the medical and mental health professions as well as a blessing over them. This Mass in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is traditionally celebrated the weekend before or the weekend after the Feast of St. Luke, which is Oct. 18. St. Luke is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.

Medical professionals are asked to wear a distinctive uniform to Mass, and if mental health professionals have something distinctive to wear that represents their profession that they do so as well.

Please check your parish bulletins for the dates and times in your church parish. BC

Retrouvaille weekend experience Friday, Oct. 8Sunday, Oct. 10

36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

A Retrouvaille weekend experience is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 10. Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i), a ministry of help that offers the tools needed for couples seeking to heal and renew their marriages and rediscover a loving marital relationship, is a threephase program consisting of a weekend experience, a series of six post-weekend sessions over 12 weeks, followed by monthly small-group support meetings.

Retrouvaille has helped tens of thousands of couples at all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage, and the program can help you, too.

For confidential information or to register for the upcoming program beginning with a weekend on Oct. 8-10, call (985) 232-5963 or email: retrovibrcomcoor@gmail.com or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com. BC

Announcements

Diocesan Blue Mass scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma The annual diocesan Blue Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, at 11 a.m., by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre.

This Mass, which honors firefighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and military personnel, is usually planned on or near the feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (Sept. 29.) St. Michael is the patron saint of community protectors.

All law enforcement, military and fire department personnel throughout the diocese including the South Lafourche communities and Morgan City as well as the Houma-Thibodaux area are invited to attend this special Mass in their honor.

“This Mass is a celebration of the entire local church, not simply of those for whom we offer special prayer intentions,” says Father Glenn LeCompte, diocesan director of the Office of Worship.

As of press time, the public is invited to attend. However, masks and social distancing guidelines are to be observed, and hand sanitizing is also encouraged. Please check the diocesan website (htdiocese.org) or your local church parish for current information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and guidelines. BC

Outreach Line In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026 or (985) 850-3172

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux.

El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada.

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026 o (985) 850-3172

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026; (985) 850-3172

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Announcements

Grief Share group meets at St. Mary’s Nativity in Raceland Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the Grief process alone. Grief Share support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help.

They understand how you feel because they have been in the same place themselves. They will walk with you on the long path toward healing and hopes for the future.

Grief Share is a free, non-denominational program featuring biblical concepts for healing from our grief. You can join at any time during the 13-week period, because every video is able to stand alone or capture all of the different types of grief in the room. The secret to the program is that you must make a commitment to follow the program. You get to a point where you feel you can conquer the world, then the next day you are depressed or locked up in your house. This tells you that you are starting your healing process. Failure to continue the Grief Share 13-week program will cause you to have a longer healing process.

The current Grief Share program began meeting Tuesday, August 17 and will continue until Tuesday Nov. 9. The program meets every Tuesday from 6–8 p.m. in the Community Center between the round chapel and connected to the school behind St. Mary’s Nativity Cemetery.

For more information or to register for the next session contact Martin Cortez (985) 227-0873; Arvella Dupre (985) 414-4126; St. Mary’s Nativity Church office (985) 537-3204 or register online at www.griefshare.org. BC

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38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

Rite of Candidacy Seminarian Ryan Thibodaux was recently admitted into the rite of candidacy for Holy Orders during a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the celebrant of the Mass. The rite of candidacy for Holy Orders is the first public step in the process toward ordination to the priesthood.

Life Chain Sunday, Oct. 3 The annual Life Chains in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will be held on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, from 2–3 p.m. (rain or shine). This is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life Americans standing together for one hour praying for our nation and for an end to abortion.

Those participating in the Houma Life Chain will line the median of Tunnel Boulevard in Houma.

The Lockport Life Chain participants will line Hwy. 1 (Crescent Avenue) in Lockport. Participants are invited to gather at Town Hall at 1:45 p.m.

The Thibodaux Life Chain participants will line the median of Canal Boulevard in front of St. Joseph CoCathedral and in front of the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium in Thibodaux.

Join with other pro-life Christians to make a statement to our community that “Abortion Kills Children.” BC

Vatican

Pope Francis issues restrictions on extraordinary form Masses in new motu proprio

By CNA STAFF (Vatican City) Pope Francis issued a motu proprio in July restricting Masses celebrated in the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite.

In the motu proprio, issued July 16, the pope made sweeping changes to his predecessor Benedict XVI’s 2007 apostolic letter Summorum Pontificum, which acknowledged the right of all priests to say Mass using the Roman Missal of 1962, which is in Latin.

In an accompanying letter to bishops explaining his decision, Pope Francis wrote: “In defense of the unity of the Body of Christ, I am constrained to revoke the faculty granted by my Predecessors. The distorted use that has been made of this faculty is contrary to the intentions that led to granting the freedom to celebrate the Mass with the Missale Romanum (Roman Missal) of 1962.”

The motu proprio, known as

Traditionis custodies (“Guardians of the tradition”) and dedicated to “the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the reform of 1970,” contains eight articles that go into immediate effect.

The first describes liturgical books issued by popes Paul VI and John Paul II after the Second Vatican Council as “the unique expression of the lex orandi (the law of prayer) of the Roman Rite.”

The second states that it is a bishop’s “exclusive competence” to authorize the use of the 1962 Roman Missal in his diocese.

The third sets out the responsibilities of bishops whose dioceses already have one or more groups that offer Mass in the extraordinary form.

It requires bishops to determine that these groups do not deny the validity of Vatican II and the Magisterium.

Bishops are instructed to “designate one or more locations where the faithful adherents of these groups may gather

for the eucharistic celebration (not however in the parochial churches and without the erection of new personal parishes).”

The third article also asks the local bishop “to establish at the designated locations the days on which eucharistic celebrations are permitted using the Roman Missal promulgated by St. John XXIII in 1962.”

The motu proprio says that Masses offered according to the 1962 Roman Missal – which are celebrated in Church Latin – are to use readings “proclaimed in the vernacular language, using translations of the Sacred Scripture approved for liturgical use by the respective episcopal conferences.”

It also calls for the establishment of a diocesan delegate selected by the bishop to oversee the pastoral care for these groups.

“This priest should have at heart not only the correct celebration

a

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

Vatican

Motu proprio

Cont.

of the liturgy, but also the pastoral and spiritual care of the faithful,” it states.

Bishops are also told to verify that the already established parishes “are effective for their spiritual growth and to determine whether or not to retain them,” as well as “to take care not to authorize the establishment of new groups.”

The fourth article says that priests ordained after July 16, 2021, who wish to offer the extraordinary form of the Mass will need to submit a formal request to the diocesan bishop who will then consult with the Apostolic See before granting authorization.

The fifth says that priests who already offer extraordinary form Masses should request authorization from their diocesan bishop to “continue to enjoy this faculty.”

Articles six and seven establish that the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies for Apostolic Life exercise the authority of the Holy See in overseeing these provisions.

This means that institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life that were established by Ecclesia Dei – a pontifical commission created by John Paul II in 1988 and merged into the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in 2019 – now fall under the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies for Apostolic Life.

The eighth and final article of the motu proprio declares that “previous norms, instructions, permissions and customs that do not conform to the provisions of the present motu proprio are abrogated.”

In his letter to bishops, Pope Francis explained the reasons behind his decision to limit access to the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite.

He said that the responses to a survey of bishops conducted by the CDF in 2020 “reveal a situation that preoccupies and saddens me, and persuades me of the need to intervene.”

Francis said that when his predecessors allowed the celebration of the Mass according to the form used before the reforms of Vatican II, they wanted to encourage unity within the church.

“An opportunity offered by St. John Paul II and, with even greater magnanimity, by Benedict XVI, intended to recover the unity of an ecclesial body with diverse liturgical sensibilities, was exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the church, block her path, and expose her to the peril of division,” he wrote.

The pope said he was saddened that the celebration of the extraordinary form was now characterized by a rejection of the Second Vatican Council and its liturgical reforms. To doubt the Council, he said, is “to doubt the Holy Spirit himself who guides the church.”

Pope Francis added that a final reason for his decision was a growing attitude of “rejection of the church and her institutions in the name of what is called the ‘true church.’”

He instructed bishops to be guided by two principles when implementing the new norms: “On the one hand, to provide for the good of those who are rooted in the previous form of celebration and need to return in due time to the Roman Rite promulgated

by Sts. Paul VI and John Paul II, and, on the other hand, to discontinue the erection of new personal parishes tied more to the desire and wishes of individual priests than to the real need of the ‘holy People of God.’” In a 2007 letter to the world’s bishops, Benedict XVI explained that Summorum Pontificum enabled priests to offer Mass according to the 1962 Missal as a “Forma extraordinaria,” or extraordinary form, of the Roman Rite.

He noted that the Missal published

by Paul VI would remain the “Forma ordinaria,” or ordinary form, of the Rite.

Benedict XVI, who resigned as pope in 2013, insisted that the motu proprio did not detract from the liturgical reforms requested by the Second Vatican Council.

He also rejected suggestions that it

40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

would cause divisions within parish communities.

“This fear also strikes me as quite unfounded,” he wrote. “The use of the old Missal presupposes a certain degree of liturgical formation and some knowledge of the Latin language; neither of these is found very often.”

“Already from these concrete presuppositions, it is clearly seen that the new Missal will certainly remain the ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, not only on account of the juridical norms, but also because of the actual situation of the communities of the faithful.”

Rumors about possible restrictions on Summorum Pontificum spread at the end of May after Pope Francis held a closed-door question-and-answer session with the members of the Italian bishops’ conference gathered in Rome for their annual plenary assembly.

Speaking with the bishops, Francis hinted at new regulations, although he did not provide details, according to two bishops who attended the conference.

In June, Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, described the development as “worrying news.”

He insisted that the extraordinary form was not divisive.

“On the contrary, it unites us to our brothers and sisters of all ages, to the saints and martyrs of all times, to those who have fought for their faith and who have found in it an inexhaustible spiritual nourishment,” he wrote in a blog post.

Cardinal Robert Sarah, who retired as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship in February, posted a series of comments on his Twitter account July 8 defending Summorum Pontificum.

He wrote: “Following the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, despite difficulties and resistance, the church embarked on a path of liturgical and spiritual reform, which, though slow, is irreversible.”

“Despite intransigent clerical attitudes in opposition to the venerable LatinGregorian liturgy, attitudes typical of the clericalism that Pope Francis has repeatedly denounced, a new generation of young people has emerged in the heart of the church.”

a

Vatican

“This generation is one of young families, who demonstrate that this liturgy has a future because it has a past, a history of holiness and beauty that cannot be erased or abolished overnight.”

The Vatican’s doctrinal congregation asked the world’s bishops last year to report on how Summorum Pontificum was being applied in their dioceses.

CDF prefect Cardinal Luis Ladaria wrote to the presidents of bishops’ conferences on March 7, 2020, asking them to distribute a nine-point questionnaire.

The CDF survey included questions such as “In your opinion, are there positive or negative aspects of the use of the extraordinary form?” and “How has the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum had an influence on the life of seminaries (the seminary of the diocese) and other formation houses?”

The questionnaire also asked whether the extraordinary form responds “to a true pastoral need” or was “promoted by a single priest.”

Bishops were asked to say whether they personally used the 1962 Missal and what advice they would offer about the extraordinary form.

In his cover letter, Cardinal Ladaria wrote: “Thirteen years after the publication of the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum issued by Pope Benedict XVI, His Holiness Pope Francis wishes to be informed about the current application of the aforementioned document.”

Ladaria asked bishops to send their responses by July 31, 2020.

In his 2007 letter, Benedict XVI had asked the world’s bishops “to send to the Holy See an account of your experiences, three years after this motu proprio has taken effect,” in 2010.

The Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei issued the 2011 instruction Universae Ecclesiae, clarifying aspects of Summorum Pontificum.

In March 2020, the CDF announced that it had issued two decrees giving new eucharistic prefaces and provision for the optional celebration of more recently named saints in the extraordinary form.

The decree Quo magis provided seven new eucharistic prefaces for the extraordinary form of the Mass, which may be used for particular occasions, such as votive Masses or the feast days of saints.

The second decree, Cum sanctissima, established a provision for the celebration of the third-class feasts of saints canonized after July 1960, whose memorials were established after the 1962 Roman Missal. BC

September 2021 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41

Sports

2021 season finds Ed Orgeron with back up against the wall ... again Overtime Ed Daniels

On a broiling hot June day, in the middle of the lineman camp in Thibodaux, Ed Orgeron’s friend and former defensive line coach Pete Jenkins weighed in with a spot on comment.

Reporter: Ed, with his back up against the wall, again?

Jenkins: I think that’s the way he likes it.

For Orgeron, the last five years have been far more than a crazy ride.

It has been an outlandish journey.

In late November of 2016, as his Tigers were finishing off Texas A&M, rumors swirled that LSU would hire Houston coach Tom Herman.

The 2017 season was full of some highs, but some incredible lows.

42 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2021

There was a 30-point loss at Mississippi State.

And, then a three-point loss at home, to Troy.

And, to end the season, LSU somehow grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory against Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl, allowing the Irish and then unknown quarterback Ian Book to score two touchdowns in the last 7:49.

That June, at the same lineman camp, Jenkins weighed in on Orgeron, as the LSU coach was at the top of the hot seat list.

“If LSU had won that game against Notre Dame, the entire season would have been perceived differently,” said Jenkins.

The preseason Las Vegas win totals had LSU at seven.

The Tigers won 10, lost three, including an improbable seven overtime loss at Texas A&M. We know what happened in 2019.

LSU put together one of the greatest seasons in the history of the college game, winning the school’s third national championship in 16 seasons.

The euphoria didn’t last long.

Wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin, and nickel back Kary Vincent all opted out of the 2020 season.

The Tigers lost their opener, 44-34 to Mississippi State.

The defense was a yearlong disaster.

Starting quarterback Myles Brennan was lost for the season to injury.

Freshman tight end Arik Gilbert left the team. Wide receiver Terrace Marshall, a future first round pick, opted out midseason.

LSU was then embarrassed at home by Alabama, 56-17.

Yet, somehow, quarterback Max Johnson, a true freshman making his first college start, led the Tigers an improbable win in the Swamp against sixth ranked Florida.

But, that win and another over Ole Miss didn’t quell the speculation.

Was Ed Orgeron the next Gene Chizik?

You know, the Auburn coach who won the national championship in 2010 and was fired two years later.

The offseason came, and so did a massive scandal that rocked LSU. The scandal cost former LSU head coach Les Miles his job at Kansas.

Former LSU President King Alexander was ousted from the same role at Oregon State.

So, here we are at the start of another season.

And, in the first week of August, LSU’s preseason quarterback battle ended with a freak injury to Myles Brennan.

So, already, the questions begin.

Will LSU’s only experienced quarterback Max Johnson, run less?

What happens if Johnson is injured, and Orgeron has to turn to a true freshman to make take his first snaps in the cauldron that is the Southeastern Conference?

Always questions for Ed Orgeron.

The fact that he is, even after last season, 45 wins and 14 losses, with a national championship in his pocket at LSU, seems like a footnote.

And, in the words of Pete Jenkins, he wouldn’t want it any other way. BC

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