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Vol. 46, No. 9 Historic ordinations of four men to priesthood June 27

By Pamela Seal Caraway is the 29-year-old son of Julius Diocese of Lake Charles III and Ladonna (Ange) Caraway and pa- rishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Lac- LAKE CHARLES — The highly antici- assine, a mission of St. Charles Borromeo pated ordinations of four men to the priest- in Fenton. He has been as- hood for the Diocese of Lake Charles will sisting at St. Henry Catholic Church under take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, in the guidance of the Very Reverend Mat- the Cathedral of the Immaculate Concep- thew Cormier, Vicar Forane of the Central tion. The Most Reverend Glen John Pro- Deanery. vost, Bishop, will be the ordaining Becoming a priest was never about Cara- with the Very Reverend Ruben J. Buller, way knowing he wanted to be one, but more Vicar General, serving as Master of Cer- about realizing that Christ wanted him to emonies. be a priest. During this 40th anniversary year of the The youngest of four, Caraway said, Diocese of Lake Charles, the Sacrament of “When I finally made an act of faith and for Deacons Samuel Bond, Jo- said, ‘yes’ and moved out of the stage of seph Caraway, Andrew DeRouen and Levi saying ‘maybe’ and being uncommitted, I Thompson will mark the largest group of felt a great freedom and joy.” men in the history of the Diocese to be or- For DeRouen, a calling to the priesthood dained to the priesthood at one time. was quite simple. He said he knew more or less that God called him in high school, but Due to the historic number of ordinands, he wanted something else for himself — a attendance will be by invitation only. career in architecture. The Mass will be streamed live for “It (architecture) was ultimately not viewing on www.youtube.com/lcdiocese enough to satisfy my thirst for fulfillment,” and www.facebook.com/lcdiocese. said DeRouen, the oldest of two. “God worked through my stubbornness and used The past several months have been any- the desire for beauty and meaning to call thing but ordinary for these men as their me to Himself as a priest. I exhausted every time in the seminary was cut short in early excuse before I finally admitted that God’s March while the entire nation began nec- call wasn’t against these good desires, but essary precautions amid the global pan- rather an invitation to their attainment. Deacon Samuel Bond Deacon Joseph Caraway demic. Extra time back in their home dio- And then I wanted to be a priest.” cese afforded opportunities not usually Ever since Thompson was a young child, experienced in a seminary setting. he said there was always a certain “nudge” “I think, in God’s providence, there’s on his heart to love God with his whole be- something valuable about that anomaly ing. which we shouldn’t overlook, namely the “This invitation grew to a desire to give formative capacity of parish life,” said my life to God, which required prayer and Deacon DeRouen, the 27-year-old son of docility,” said Thompson who is the third Marty and Julie (Cocchiara) DeRouen and of four siblings. “Just like a tree that slowly parishioner of the Cathedral. “It’s not that grows from a small seed, my initial desires we don’t understand this in a seminary grew into my desire for priesthood, to give setting, but we typically don’t get to expe- myself to Christ and His Church.” rience it so personally and tangibly until The youngest of three boys, Bond rec- after ordination.” ognized early on that priests believe that Deacon DeRouen has been assisting in what they are doing is helping people un- the parish of St. Pius X in Ragley under the derstand that their ultimate purpose in guidance of Father Jeffrey Starkovich, Di- life is to grow in relationship with God. rector of Vocations. “From an early age I can remember Setting the record straight for anyone hearing about the stories from missionary who thinks that seminary life is boring or priests and some of the amazing things that uneventful, Deacon Thompson said it has they endured, and I can remember think- been a complete adventure requiring radi- ing, that’s what I want to do,” said Bond. cal trust and openness to God. His advice to someone discerning priest- “Now in the COVID situation, I’ve seen hood is listening to the advice of wise peo- how sad it can be when people are deprived ple you look up to, pray daily and not be of the Sacraments, the power of prayer for afraid to reach out if you have a “persis- each other amid this time, and the treasure tent tug at the heart.” and gift of the Eucharist,” said the 28-year- Caraway agrees that prayer is important old son of Frank and Eva (Pettefer) Thomp- during the discernment process, but he son and parishioner of St. Theodore Catho- cautions one to not pray in a selfish way. lic Church in Moss Bluff. “God has enabled “Prayer about the priesthood should not the Church to grow through persecutions be, ‘Lord, do I want to be a priest?’ Instead, Deacon Andrew DeRouen Deacon Levi Thompson and plagues throughout the centuries. I the prayer should be, ‘Lord do you want me to be a priest?’ In today’s world, it is tempt- hope that he will also enable the Church to de Sales, Imitation of Christ by Thomas the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. grow today amid the pandemic through my ing to seek our own interest,” said Caraway, à Kempis, Abandonment to Divine Provi- future priesthood.” “and this can influence our prayer, but the Masses of Thanksgiving — the first ones dence by Jean-Pierre De Caussade; and Deacon Thompson has been assisting in priesthood is about Jesus’ interest.” to be celebrated by the newly ordained Man, The Saint by Jesus Urteaga. the parish of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Thompson echoes the importance of priests in their home parishes — will take While each journey has been filled with under the guidance of Daniel A. prayer along with other suggestions. place in the following churches: Caraway, joys and sorrows for these four men, when Torres, Vicar General. “Pray. We cannot hear the call if we do St. John the Evangelist Mission in Lacas- asked what has been the best part of their Seeing the pandemic as an opportunity not stop and listen,” said Thompson. “God sine; DeRouen, Cathedral of the Immacu- seminary experience, they summed it up to help people focus on what is truly im- may be calling you now, but it may be lost if late Conception; and Thompson, St. Theo- portant in their lives, Deacon Bond finds you do not listen. Talk to a vocation direc- with the same sentiment: the friendships made with like-minded men, while being dore Catholic Church in Moss Bluff — all meaning for his future priesthood. tor. Get to know other young men who may on Sunday, June 28; and Bond, Our Lady “When things are out of our control, it is be discerning.” He also recommends daily challenged as they learn how to be ser- vants of Christ. of LaSalette Catholic Church in DeQuincy, the time to not be afraid but to put our trust Mass and frequent confession to prepare on the evening of Saturday, June 27. in God and His providence for us,” said the one’s self to receive the call. What do they all look forward to most about being a priest? Deacons Caraway, DeRouen and Thomp- 30-year-old son of Joseph and Mitzi (Tra- For anyone who is just not sure about son are each working towards diplomas han) Bond and parishioner of Our Lady of the priesthood as a vocation, DeRouen en- • Deacon Bond: Celebrating the Mass from the Pontifical University of St. Thom- LaSalette Catholic Church in DeQuincy. courages them to just give the seminary a and hearing confessions. I owe everything as Aquinas in Rome. Caraway’s degree is “The priest preaches Christ who both en- try. I am and have because of the grace of God in Thomistic Studies; DeRouen’s degree tered into our human sufferings and was “Do it because you love Jesus, and even poured out in the sacrifice of the Mass and is in Moral Theology; and Thompson’s de- victorious over human death by rising from if you don’t stay, you will not regret being the forgiveness in reconciliation. the dead. I look forward to offering this gree is in Dogmatic Theology. formed into the man you were called to • Deacon Thompson: Celebrating the message of hope as a future priest.” Deacon Bond continues his studies to- be,” DeRouen said. Sacraments, especially the most Holy Eu- Deacon Bond has been assisting Bishop Several books that proved helpful dur- ward a Licentiate in Sacramental Theol- charist, consecrating God within my own Provost with the Office of Worship under ing the discernment process for these ogy (S.T.L.) from the Liturgical Institute at hands, and hearing confessions, as an in- the guidance of Father Buller. seminarians include the Bible, A Priest is the University of St. Mary of the Lake in strument of God’s mercy. Fully aware of unexpected and difficult Not His Own by Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, Mundelein, Ill. He graduated from Notre situations on his priestly journey, Deacon To Save a Thousand Souls by Father Brett • Deacon DeRouen: I look forward to be- Dame Seminary in May with a Master of Caraway is sure of one thing. “Through Brannan, Priests for the Third Millennium ing surprised by God, and little by little, Divinity degree. challenges, God brings about great fruit. I by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Dark Night discovering His will in all things. At the conclusion of the Liturgy of Holy hope to be a frequently used instrument of of the Soul by St. John of the Cross; Intro- • Deacon Caraway: Celebrating the Sac- Orders, assignments for the newly or- God to bring about that fruit,” he said. duction to the Devout Life by St. Francis raments for the people of God, especially dained will be announced. Beverung to be ordained transitional deacon

By Pamela Seal Eucharist has been made Reflecting on the most sand Souls by Father Brett student at Notre Dame Sem- Diocese of Lake Charles ever present to us. As my encouraging moments dur- Brannen, as well as Priests inary where he will contin- for the Third Millennium by time in the seminary comes ing his time in the seminary ue his studies following his LAKE CHARLES — On to a close, this hunger for thus far, Beverung thinks Timothy Cardinal Dolan. diaconate internship. the same day as the histor- the Eucharist that the peo- back to his various parish A parishioner of Our ic ordinations of four men ple of God are experiencing summer assignments. Lady Queen of Heaven On Sunday, June 28, Bev- to the priesthood for the gives me much hope for the “When I am in a parish Catholic Church, Bever- erung will assist as a new- Diocese of Lake Charles, future and my ministry.” setting, I am constantly re- ung is a graduate of St. Lou- ly ordained Deacon at the Michael Beverung will ad- With one more year to go minded why the Lord has is Catholic High School and vance one step closer on his Mass of Thanksgiving for at Notre Dame Seminary in called me to this vocation received his early educa- priestly journey when he Andrew DeRouen in the Ca- ahead of his in the first place,” he af- tion at OLQH School. He at- is ordained a transitional tended St. Joseph Seminary thedral of the Immaculate deacon by Bishop Glen John anticipated ordination to firmed. College and is currently a Conception. Provost. the priesthood in 2021, Bev- His advice to someone Beverung, the 25-year- erung said as he was devel- discerning priesthood is to old son of Steven and Pat- oping a prayer life in high be attentive to prayer, es- sy (Gauthier) Beverung of school, he knew that follow- pecially in silence. “This The next publication of the Catholic Calendar Lake Charles, said this ing the Lord’s will for his silence is where God speaks is scheduled for Friday, July 17. is an interesting time for life would ultimately bring to us and reveals His will our Church and the entire him the most joy. for our lives.” The offi ces of the Diocese of Lake Charles will be closed on Friday, July 3, world. “As I began to hear the A book that served Bev- in observance of the Fourth of July commemorating the “Now more than ever, it Lord call me toward the life erung well during his dis- signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, is evident that we need peo- of priesthood, I knew that cernment process was An which solidifi ed the American colonies’ resolution ple to step up and give their I had to conform my will Introduction to the Devout to fi ght for independence from Britain. lives for the people God,” to His,” said Beverung, the Life by St. Francis de Sales. he said. “During this pan- only brother to his older Another great resource, he Offi ces reopen Monday, July 6, at 8:30 a.m. Michael Beverung demic, the hunger for the twin sisters. said, was To Save a Thou- 01086823

The Most Reverend Glen John Provost Bishop of Lake Charles

June 26, 2020 Hurricane survivors pray for protection from storms By Pamela Seal were among the nearly 200 bad.” Diocese of Lake Charles people missing, never to be McCall would eventually recovered. remarry Joyce Colligan on CAMERON — It’s been 63 The communities of Oak Aug. 9, 1958, and they would years since Hurricane Au- Grove, Holly Beach, Grand give life to one daughter, drey awakened the Gulf of Chenier and Little Chenier Phyllis Doreen, and two Mexico as if it were a sleep- bore the brunt of Audrey’s sons, Henry Alan (born two ing giant. But Norman Mc- fury and were almost com- years to the day after Hur- Call, 96, can vividly recall pletely wiped off the map, ricane Audrey) and Joseph the deadly storm like it hap- according to an American Kelan. pened yesterday. Press report. Death tolls re- At the conclusion of the McCall was among those corded more than 520 dead; liturgy, Bishop Provost in attendance at the annual more than 400 were killed led those in attendance in Mass to Avert Storms in Our in Cameron Parish alone. procession to the Historic Lady Star of the Sea Catho- McCall doesn’t hesitate Shrine of Our Lady Star lic Church on June 1 — the to admit that he was mad at of the Sea in front of the first day of hurricane sea- the world for the tremen- church while praying the son. dous loss of life as well as “Litany of the Blessed Vir- his home. gin Mary of Loreto.” The After processing to the Historic Shrine in front of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Bishop Glen John Pro- “I had pretty well lost Shrine has been granted Church in Cameron, Bishop Glen John Provost is joined by clergy, including several vost, celebrant for the votive my faith,” he recalls, even the privilege of inserting priests from coastal parishes, at the conclusion of the annual Mass to Avert Storms. Mass, was joined by pastors though he had been an altar the invocation “Star of the June 1 marked the beginning of hurricane season which concludes on Nov. 30. of Cameron churches in- boy for many years grow- Sea” into the Litany. cluding Rev. D.B. Thomp- ing up. “After the storm, The Shrine plays a big In his homily, Bishop son of Sacred Heart of Jesus I had a bad attitude, but part in bringing McCall, now Provost acknowledged the Parish in Creole and Our I give credit to a nun who a resident of Lake Charles, people on this very spot Lady Star of the Sea; Rev. visited me every day for a back to the area year after who have shared in the Cal- Clyde Thomas of St. Eugene week shortly after the storm year for the annual Mass as vary of our Lord by suffer- Parish in Grand Chenier; when I was admitted to St. he was instrumental in hav- ing and death. and Rev. Arvind Minz of St. Patrick Hospital for double- ing the Shrine erected in “Many at this very Shrine Peter the Apostle Parish in hernia surgery.” 1963. have pleaded with Mary, the Hackberry. He tells the story this In the years following Mother of the Church and Seeking the intercession way: Hurricane Audrey, The Most Star of the Sea, to protect of Our Lady Star of the Sea “Somebody sent a rubber Rev. Maurice Schexnayder, them as her children,” he for protection from storms plant to my hospital room. A Bishop of the Lafayette said. “Graciously embrace and destruction, McCall day or so after the surgery, Diocese, visited Cameron the children of your family knows all too well the im- a nun came to visit me. I frequently. Noting the emo- on the Gulf Coast. Protect portance of turning to Our think someone must have tional suffering of Audrey us from all harm.” Blessed Mother for safe- told her I was mad at the that continued, Bishop Bishop Provost noted that keeping. The former Grand whole world. The nun asked Schexnayder would eventu- two years ago Pope Francis Chenier resident lost his me if she could take care of ally commission McCall and added to the liturgical cal- entire family when Audrey my plant while I was in the his father-in-law, Albert endar a remembrance of — one of the most devastat- hospital, and I said yes. Colligan to raise funds for a Our Blessed Lady as Mother ing storms to ever strike the “Every day she would shrine honoring the deadly of the Church. This celebra- U.S. — roared ashore in the come in with a little white storm’s victims. tion is always to occur on early morning hours of June bowl and a rag and she The Shrine depicts a the Monday after Pentecost. 27, 1957. would wipe the leaves. 7-foot marble statue of a “It is very appropriate “I lost my home. My wife When I was discharged a young woman with her left that this year this obser- drowned, my little girl week later, I let her keep arm around her daughter’s vance falls on the first of drowned and my little boy. the plant. It wasn’t too long shoulders as they stare out June,” said Bishop Provost, All three of them drowned,” after I gave her the plant, I into the Gulf of Mexico. “the beginning of Hurricane said McCall with a trem- read an article in the Lake The mother and young girl Season and the day tradi- ble in his voice. He was 33 Charles American Press greatly resemble McCall’s tionally when we gather at years old at the time. His that this nun had died, with late wife, Phyllis and his the Shrine of Our Lady Star wife, Phyllis Donatelli Mc- a picture of her. I was glad daughter, Doreen, from a of the Sea to plead Mary’s Call, was eventually found, I gave her the plant. She photograph provided to En- intercession to be spared but his 2-year-old son Phil- came in my room every day rico Randi, the sculptor. all storms and destructive lip Alan and 5-year-old and talked to me and con- The Shrine enjoys, with weather.” daughter Doreen Antonia vinced me my attitude was papal approval, the same McCall joined the dozens spiritual privileges as of others gathered around would a pilgrimage to the the Shrine in reciting the Basilica of Saint Mary Ma- Prayer for Protection dur- jor in Rome, one of the four ing Hurricane Season as the major basilicas in the Eter- ceremony concluded, until Bishop Provost speaks with Norman McCall, 96, a nal City. next year. former resident of Grand Chenier and the lone survivor ••••••• in his family during Hurricane Audrey in 1957. McCall was instrumental in having the Historic Shrine of Our The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, located at 135 Lady Star of the Sea erected in 1963 in Cameron. Our Lady Road, is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To make arrangements for a pilgrimage to the Shrine, or if a priest would like to make arrangements for Mass, please Decree of contact Father D.B. Thompson, Rector of the Shrine, by Announcement of email at [email protected]. Pastoral Assignments The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop Guidelines for fall of Lake Charles, hereby announces the pastoral assignments for the Year Two Thousand and Twenty for the Diocese of Lake Charles, . return to school The Office of Catho- ers, and staff on the best The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Effective July 1, 2020: lic Schools in the Diocese practices to maintain a safe Bishop of Lake Charles, has asked that during The Rev. Sam (Trey) Ange — Parochial Vicar, of Lake Charles is taking environment for students the hurricane season of 2020 the people of the Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Jennings necessary steps for the an- and staff upon the return to Diocese of Lake Charles pray the following The Rev. Bino Francis Poovannikunnel, M.S. — ticipated safe return of stu- school campuses. Parochial Vicar, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, dents and staff on August For the health and safety prayer, composed in 1957 by The Most Reverend Carlyss 13 for the 2020-2021 school of everyone, cleaning pro- Maurice Schexnayder, Second Bishop of year. cedures will be in place to The Very Rev. Ruben Buller — Director, Vianney Lafayette, following Hurricane Audrey: In a recent letter ad- re-open. On-going planning House, Lake Charles, and continuing as Vicar dressed to families, Su- with school administrators, O God, Master of this passing world, hear the General and Moderator of the Curia perintendent Kimberlee parents, school stakehold- humble voices of your children. Gazzolo said the plan is to The Rev. Paul Jussen — Pastor, Our Lady of Good ers and diocesan leader- The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and Counsel Parish, Lake Charles maintain schedules that ship has been enhanced will not present a chal- with the Office of Catholic returned to its former quietude. The Rev. Nathan Long — Pastor, St. Margaret of lenge to working families. Schools’ partnership with You are still the Master of the land and sea. Scotland Parish, Lake Charles, and continuing as All opportunities will be CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Rector of St. Louis Catholic High School explored for teaching and We live in the shadow of a danger over which we Southwestern Louisiana The Rev. Whitney Miller — Pastor, St. Philip Neri learning to maintain aca- have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and and medical health profes- Parish, Kinder demic progress throughout angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, the year, as well as the con- sionals. The Reverend Deacon Brian Soileau — Director of tinued commitment to pro- As further guidance is and overstep its conventional boundaries, Saint Charles Center with Camp Karol vide an education focused published, Gazzolo said the invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. Office of Catholic Schools The Very Rev. Keith Pellerin — Pastor, Our Lady Help on the Catholic faith and During this hurricane season we turn to You, of Christians Parish, Jennings, and continuing as academic excellence. will be forthcoming with O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies Dean of the East Deanery Receiving guidance from specific policies and pro- the Centers for Disease cedures that will be insti- whose memories are still so vivid and whose The Very Rev. Ruben Villarreal — Judicial Vicar, Control and Louisiana De- tuted at each school site. wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing Diocesan Tribunal, and continuing as partment of Education, a Plans will be updated reg- Vice-Chancellor, Secretary-Adjutant to the Bishop, focus will be on providing ularly on school websites of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved and Chaplain at St. Louis Catholic High School professional development and through parent/school Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son on Signed by our hand and that of our Chancellor, on to administrators, teach- communications. our behalf, so that spared from the calamities this second day of June in the Year of our Lord, Two common to this area and animated with a true Thousand and Twenty. Christian Leadership Institute canceled spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps Read more at lcdiocese.org of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly LAKE CHARLES — Citing an uptick in COVID-19 cases Jerusalem where a stormless eternity awaits us. in the state of Louisiana, the Office of Youth and Young Amen. The Most Reverend Glen John Provost. Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Lake Charles has can- Bishop of Lake Charles celed the Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) scheduled The Most Reverend Maurice Schexnayder for July 7-13 at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville. Second Bishop of Lafayette In a letter to the youth who had signed up for the week- long training experience, Milissa Thibodeaux, Director of The Reverend Deacon George Stearns Youth Ministry, said the decision was the prudent thing to Chancellor do given the latest surge in coronavirus cases.