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Vol. 47, No. 7 Saint Joseph Refuge Shelter for Men in works by Catholic Charities LAKE CHARLES — The the existing former school Tuesday, May 4. Questions of Lake Charles building and expand the or comments may also be announces that Catholic existing structures to pro- sent to saintjosephrefuge@ Charities of Southwest Lou- vide for overnight lodging, lcdiocese.org. After hear- isiana is working to open meals, laundry, and other ing from the local com- Saint Joseph Refuge Shel- crucial services such as munity, Catholic Charities ter for Men in Lake Charles. help accessing education, hopes to renovate the cur- The property under consid- job placement, daycare, rent property and provide eration is located at 1017 and medical treatment in a much-needed refuge in Sixth Avenue. order to help people bet- Lake Charles. A generous ter their lives. Operational If zoning approval is giv- from Rick and Donna Guz- plans are still being formu- en for the project, Catholic man Richard and Empire of lated for the Saint Joseph Charities will begin raising the Seed makes this project Refuge Shelter for Men. funds. There will be giving possible. “We believe that our opportunities to help with Catholic Charities has Lord wants us to care for the cost of renovations and Property located at 1017 Sixth Avenue (southeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Third been committed to respond- the poor in our area,” said contribute to an endow- Street) in Lake Charles is the proposed site for Saint Joseph Refuge Shelter for Men ing to the basic needs of the Sister Miriam. “We want to ment fund which will en- in the Diocese of Lake Charles. Operational plans are still in the works by Catholic people of Southwest Louisi- work with the local commu- sure successful operations Charities of Southwest Louisiana, the nonprofi t agency that will oversee the shelter. ana since its foundation. nity to give the men in our for decades to come. (Photo credit: Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles) Sister Miriam MacLean, area a refuge where they If you wish to support RSM, director of Catholic know they are loved by our Saint Joseph Refuge Shel- Charities, said, “Before Lord.” ter for Men, please contact Hurricane Laura struck in A community informa- Catholic Charities of South- August 2020, Bishop (Glen tion and hearing session west Louisiana, 1225 Sec- John) Provost told me that will be held at Saint Hen- ond Street, Lake Charles, Religious Sisters of Mercy bring he desired a shelter for the ry , 1021 LA 70601, or go to www. care of the most vulnerable. Eighth Avenue, at 6:30 p.m. catholiccharitiesswla.com. It is an essential part of the •••• Diocese’s mission to care Holy Week tradition to Diocese for those who are most vul- [E]very poor, needy, suffering or dying person, every stranger, every prisoner, every infi rm person is “the child” whom Joseph continues to nerable among us, and we By Pamela Seal protect. For this reason, Saint Joseph is invoked as protector of the are so humbled to be able Diocese of Lake Charles unfortunate, the needy, exiles, the affl icted, the poor and the dying. to undertake this mission LAKE CHARLES — Consequently, the Church cannot fail to show a special love for the at Saint Joseph Refuge due Modeled after a Holy Week least of our brothers and sisters, for Jesus showed a particular concern to the generosity of local tradition begun in for them and personally identifi ed with them. From Saint Joseph, we people in the spirit of the in the 16th century, more must learn that same care and responsibility. We must learn to love Gospel.” than 70 people took to the The proposed develop- the child and his mother, to love the sacraments and charity, to love the Church and the poor. — Francis, Patris Corde streets of Lake Charles ment plan will rehabilitate to participate in a Seven Church Walk on Good Friday. Hosted by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, this Deacon H.E “Bud” Wagner dies; was the first time for the pilgrimage in the Diocese of Lake Charles. Sister Mary Benedicta interred in New Bethany Cemetery Maier, R.S.M., said the idea of participating in a Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Deacon Harry “Bud” school in Haddonfield and walk locally came about Edward Wagner Jr., 90, graduated from Sulphur Charles was one of seven sites visited during a Good as she shared her past Friday pilgrimage that included meditations on the died on April 2, and was High School before experiences with the interred in New Bethany attending the University of Sisters. “Seven Last Words of Christ.” The nine-mile pilgrimage Cemetery, located at Saint Southwest Louisiana and “I became very excited was modeled after a Holy Week tradition begun in Rome Charles Center in Moss McNeese State University. as it personally brought in the 16th century. Bluff, following a Mass of He was ordained a back memories of when I (Photo credit: Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles) Christian Burial celebrated permanent deacon for the participated, pre-convent Tuesday, April 6, at Diocese of Lafayette on days, in organizing the the Religious Sisters of people became more Immaculate Conception June 24, 1977 by the Most Seven Church Walk in Mercy, Catholic Charities excited to move on to the Catholic Church in Sulphur. Reverend Gerard L. Frey, Washington, D.C. with a of Southwest Louisiana next church. I enjoyed The Very Reverend Bishop of Lafayette, in Our young adult group,” she (Chapel of St. Joseph), seeing so many families Aubrey Guilbeau was the Lady of Prompt Succor said. “I was then privileged and the church parishes participate.” celebrant with Monsignor Catholic Church in Sulphur. to make the Walk when I of Immaculate Heart If not for Isabella Vincent Sedita giving Deacon Wagner served as was assigned to Rome as a of Mary, Sacred Heart Desormeaux’s younger the homily. Rev. Timothy the fiscal administrator of Sister in 2013.” of Jesus, St. Henry, St. brother Caleb, she said she Goodly concelebrated. The the Diocese of Lake Charles Deacon H.E. “Bud” Wagner The origin of the walk is Margaret of Scotland, might not have agreed to be Most Reverend Glen John from its inception in 1980 He is preceded in death credited to St. , and the of the a part of the Seven Church Provost, Bishop of Lake until his retirement in June by his loving wife, Patricia dating back to around 1553. Immaculate Conception. Walk. Charles, attended in choir 1998. Wagner; one sister, Joan The tradition is a way for At each stop, Father Ruben dress. Those left to cherish his “It really was my little Wagner; and parents. friends and family to see Buller led participants Deacon Wagner was memory are his caregiver, brother who wanted to do Eternal rest, grant unto him, churches they might not in prayer meditating on this. I don’t like walking born on July 8, 1930 to Rodney Gonzales; cousins, otherwise visit. O LORD. And let perpetual the “Seven Last Words of a lot, but I wanted to do Harry and Marie Wagner Connie Ellender, Rory Included in the local Christ.” light shine upon him. May it for him,” 11-year-old in Haddonfield, NJ. He Ellender and Jayme walk were the Convent for With the diocese still attended elementary Ellender. he rest in peace. Amen. Bella said. “Since Christ recovering from back-to- died on the crucifix for back hurricanes from more us, I thought I should put than seven months ago, the in a little effort. It helped Good Friday pilgrimage me put myself in Christ’s Inaugural Mass for St. Francis de Sales Oratory — totaling nine miles — shoes since he had to walk offered a chance for people everywhere.” By Pamela Seal Reverend Glen John Provost, of our rites, that of the Holy renovations since early 2020. to see progress as well as Bella was grateful for Bishop of Lake Charles. Sacrifi ce of the Mass.” Special guests included Diocese of Lake Charles areas of the city still trying the beautiful weather God It was at the invitation of Joined by clergy, SULPHUR — History Princess Maria-Anna to pick up the pieces. provided and was happy came full circle on Palm Bishop Provost that the seminarians, and the faithful, Galitzine and her husband Melanie LeJeune and to see so many different Sunday weekend as the Institute established the Bishop Provost blessed the Prince Piotr Galitzine. The her husband Keagan were chapels in the same day. inaugural Solemn High Mass oratory, breathing new life exterior and interior of the glad for the opportunity princess is the granddaughter “I liked being able to go was celebrated at St. Francis into the original location oratory. After the blessing, to add something to their of Blessed Karl, the Emperor at a slower pace and look de Sales Oratory in the same for Our Lady of Prompt the votive Mass for St. Francis Holy Week devotions. of Austria. Also in attendance through all the churches,” building that once served as Succor Catholic Church. The de Sales was celebrated in “I thought that this walk she said. “I was sad that the the fi rst Catholic Church in structure recently served as the traditional Latin Rite by were Sulphur Mayor Mike would help us focus on what Eucharist was not exposed, Sulphur nearly 100 years ago. the Sulphur Judicial Center. the Very Reverend Danahay and his wife Good Friday is all about,” but I understand why since The apostolate — the only one “It is an anomaly to Matthew Talarico, Provincial Daphne; and Marcus Trahan said Melanie. “I enjoyed it is Good Friday.” in the South for the Institute repossess an old church Superior of the Institute. of Redmarque Construction getting outside and walking As for Bella’s 8-year-old of Christ the King Sovereign The beauty of the Mass was in Sulphur. Trahan is the to see churches that we which was once transformed brother Caleb, he said he is Priest — is now home for the enhanced by the Notre Dame general contractor for the have never visited.” into a courthouse and make glad he went on the walk. traditional Latin Mass in the it a church once again,” His Seminary Schola Cantorum. restoration project of the Keagan commented on Diocese of Lake Charles. The oratory’s opening, the amount of destruction “I liked it. It was tiring but Excellency remarked. “What historic church. really fun,” he said. “Jesus The 9:30 a.m. ceremony was once the site of many originally scheduled for still visible from the on Saturday, March 27, The Very Rev. Rommel died today. We should make a baptism, wedding, and the fall of 2020, was pushed storms. “The walk served began with the “Rite of the Tolentino and Rev. Sam Bond a sacrifice, too.” funeral will resonate with the back several months after as a reminder of how hard Blessing of a Church” by served as assistants to the Sister Mary Benedicta sounds of prayer and sacred Hurricane Laura interrupted our city was hit and how His Excellency, the Most Bishop, and Abbé Alex Barga, said the Sisters were song and the most solemn major renovations already much people are struggling in progress. The church a clerical oblate for the to get back to normal,” he surprised at the high suffered extensive damage to Institute, was the Episcopal said. “We are all recovering turnout. its roof. Master of Ceremonies. together.” “We had thought maybe Canon Talarico said he Following the Mass, Marty Berry also liked 15 or so people would attend since the idea only was “deeply saddened” to Bishop Provost blessed two the idea of seeing areas unfolded a few weeks prior see fi rsthand the hurricane palm trees and a plumeria still in need of restoration. to the event,” she said. “We destruction last September. tree that were planted on “I think it was wonderful “Our Institute was new to walk with the community were pleased to see the the property to mark the here to Louisiana and seeing and trace through our city response of the faithful. It the church damaged and momentous occasion of the after the hurricanes and was edifying to see people how much work would need Oratory’s opening. “The see the various stages of from all walks of life.” to be done, I was wondering trees serve as a sign of recovery and where help is “The pilgrimage brought how we could overcome such recovery for the church and needed,” said Berry. hope to each of us Sisters unknown challenges,” he said. symbolize new life,” said Barbara Wyman, who and increased our faith,” “However, over these past Canon Moreau. “Those trees participated in the walk Sister Mary Benedicta months, I am very impressed will be remembered as being with her husband Bruce, continued. “It was a and very edifi ed to see the planted and blessed on the said she did not know what beautiful way to enter into the mystery of Christ’s The Inaugural Mass for St. Francis de Sales Oratory was courageous resiliency and day of the inauguration.” to expect, but the walk the hardworking neighborly was a pleasant surprise all passion and death on Good celebrated on Saturday, March 27. The painting above St. Francis de Sales spirit of Louisiana.” around and hopes it will be Friday as we prepared for the is on loan from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Oratory is located at 802 Church in Creole, one of several coastal churches Bishop Provost extended a tradition in the diocese. the Hour of Mercy.” South Huntington Street “I didn’t realize it was destroyed by Hurricane Laura. A reredos is being his expressions of gratitude It is the hope of the to Reverend Canon Jean in Sulphur. For a complete going to be community Religious Sisters of Mercy designed for placement behind the oratory’s altar to Marie Moreau, Rector of Mass schedule, visit www. building,” Wyman said. to continue the Seven include niches for several religious statues. the Oratory. Canon Moreau Institute-Christ-King.org/ “It ended up being faith Church Walk annually in (Photo credit: Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles) has been overseeing the sulphur-home building. At each stop, the Diocese. 01098608

The Most Reverend Glen John Provost Bishop of Lake Charles

April 23, 2021 Holy Week in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

On Palm Sunday, Bishop Glen John Provost blessed the palms to Catholic school students were in attendance for the Chrism Mass Deacon Brian Soileau, left, Deacon Patrick LaPoint, center, and be given out to the faithful before the Mass in a ceremony that celebrated in the Cathedral, where the oils used by the priests Deacon Anthony Pousson carry the oils to the altar in preparation took place in the Cathedral courtyard. during the year, are blessed and consecrated. Here they have for the consecration of the Oil of Chrism and blessing of the Oil of arrived by bus and prepare to enter the Cathedral. the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens.

Deacon Michael Beverung proclaims the Gospel for the Mass The Bishop breathes over the vessel of Sacred Chrism in a gesture Bishop Provost pours balsam into the container of olive oil, mixing on Holy Thursday, where the washing of the feet of Cathedral symbolizing both the Holy Spirit coming down to consecrate this the two by stirring them together. It is with the sacred Chrism parishioners took place, in commemoration of the washing of the oil and the life-giving, sanctifying nature of the sacraments for consecrated by the Bishop that the newly baptized are anointed Apostles’ feet by Jesus at the Last Supper. Seminarians Garrett which it is used. and those to be confirmed are signed. Broussard, left, and Hunter LaRocca, right, flank the Ambo.

Following the Mass of Holy Thursday, Bishop Provost processed On Good Friday, the only day of the Church’s year that the During the entry of the cross, which stops three times to be with the Blessed Sacrament from the Cathedral across the street celebration of Mass does not take place, the Bishop and ministers incensed and for recited prayers (Behold the wood of the cross on to the Ave Maria Hall where he, along with the people, took part in enter the Cathedral silently. A large wooden cross, carried here by which hung the salvation of the world and the response, Come, let Adoration, which continued through the evening. Deacon Beverung, is brought to the altar in the Cathedral. us adore). Bishop Provost venerates the cross in an appropriate manner, followed by similar veneration by the people.

The Bishop blesses and prepares the candle that also represents The Easter Vigil must begin after sunset, the start of the While there is no celebration of the Mass on Good Friday, the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness new liturgical day, with the Service of Light and the the Eucharist is distributed to the faithful in the Service of the (death). Here he lights the Paschal Candle, the first candle to be lite faithful congregating silently outside the church with Passion of the Lord. The Eucharist is brought from its place of with a flame from the blesed fire. the Bishop and servers. repose and placed on the altar. The Bishop and people pray concluding with Communion to the people.

The people will light their own candles from those lighted After his homily, Bishop Provost blesses the water that will be used Following the Baptism, the Bishop sprinkles water on the from the Pashcal Candle and follow the Bishop in darkness to initiate those received into the Church and then performs the congregation. The newly baptized is also confirmed. Later in the into the Cathedral for the Liturgy of the Word. Rite of Baptism for the Elect, pronouncing the words, “I baptize you liturgy, others being received into the Church are also confirmed. in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Photo credit: Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles)

World Day of Prayer for Vocations tion to “Pray the Lord of the harvest Lord’s call to the priesthood and World Day of Prayer will be observed on Sunday, April to send laborers into his harvest” religious life. Consider offering a 25, also known as “Good Shepherd (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2). Please decade of the rosary or praying be- Sunday.” The purpose of this day is pray that young men and women fore the Blessed Sacrament for vo- for Vocations to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruc- hear and respond generously to the cations.