Cemetery Tours Start Saturday, October 13, 2012

Travel to a place where voices from the past will greet you as you journey back remembering more than 200 years of our history ... 2012 is Louisiana's Bicentennial year. The tours of the St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery give one a perspective into how our past has shaped our present and influenced future generations of our community. Learn which families were here and what their lives were like, and what events helped to shape our present day history.

The St. Landry Catholic Church Parish, Opelousas Little Theatre, St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission along with Community Volunteers are pleased to be able to share these historic portrayals of such an important time period with each of you.

All proceeds from the cemetery tours fund the Cemetery Historical Restoration Project. The tours began in 2003 and dozens of grave sites have been restored. This is our 10th anniversary year.

The cost of the 90 minute tour is $10 per person and the schedule is:

          Saturday:         October 13 and 14        Times: 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM

          Sunday:           October 20 and 21        Times: 2 PM, 3 PM

This year, you will meet spirits including ...

• Bobby Dunbar who, 100 years ago this year, was involved in one of the most spectacular child abduction cases in the nation 
• Governor Jacques Dupre who served as governor of Louisiana during the 1830's and served as both a representative and senator for decades 
• Sophie Sims who, as a slave, worked as a housekeeper, cook, and nanny to a local family. She continued to share a close relationship with them after emancipation 
• Sylvester Holmes, born in the mid west, and a cousin to a President of the United States 
• Michel Prudhomme, born in the 1700's, who made donations to the community that provided for churches, schools, and even a hospital to this day 
• Dr. Butch Bercier, a dentist from the 1800's 
• J.P. Barnett, Sr, a local businessman involved in many of the businesses of Opelousas during the 1900's including the founding of LouAna. Find out how the growth of the movie industry resulted in the success of one of south Louisiana's most recognized products. 
• Ida Veazie Pavy, wife of Judge Benjamin Pavy, who had a ring side seat to some of the most sensational cases in Opelousas history including the Bobby Dunbar kidnapping case 
• And learn about the history and architecture of St. Landry Catholic Church as told by a decorated military veteran ... and priest ... Lieutenant Father Verbis Lafleur. You'll also learn about how Lt. Father Lafleur was involved in educating youth during his life as well as how he is providing for the education of youth today.

And on Saturday the 20th, at the 4 PM mass, our celebrant will be Bishop Michael Jarrell of the Diocese of Lafayette. Bishop Jarrell is a "son" of St. Landry Catholic Church parish as well as the grandson of one of our spirits, J.P. Barnett, Sr.

Please join us in remembering though who still make an impact on our community today. Your donation will help maintain our spirit's grave sites so that future generations will make sure they are never forgotten.

Homily for the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and tenth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of October 7, 2012

The bulletin for the week of October 7, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and ninth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Deacon Sammy Diesi.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of September 30, 2012

The bulletin for the week of September 30, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

The Ordination of Deacon Dwayne Joubert

With praise to Almighty God, St. Landry Church is happy to announce the ordination of Deacon Dwayne Joubert.  Deacon Joubert was ordained on August 18, 2012 at the Cathedral of St. John in Lafayette.  He and his wife Mary are natives of Opelousas, and have one daughter, Sarah.  We congratulate them, along with Deacon Joubert's parents, Bernard and Lois (who are also St. Landry Church parishioners).

Deacon Joubert's ordination comes after five years of preparation which included academic studies, service projects, and of course, prayer.  Our parish celebrated his ordination after the 10am Mass on August 19th with a reception at Opelousas Catholic cafeteria.  We thank all those who made the reception such a beautiful event for our parish community.

Deacon Joubert was assigned by Bishop Jarrell to our parish, and commenced his duties as deacon immediately after ordination.  He will work primarily in the areas of liturgy and liturgical ministers, and youth activities.  We pray that Deacon Joubert has many happy years in him ministry of service as a deacon!

For photographs from his first weekend's homily, please click here.

2012 Seminarian Visit at St. Landry Catholic Church

On August 7, 2012 St. Landry Church hosted a seminarian coffee and dessert. The seminarians were attending their summer seminar that week at Our Lady of the Oaks in Grand Coteau. After their dinner that evening some 40 of them came to St. Landry for coffee and dessert, a tour of our historic church and grounds, and fellowship with their future brother priests. Two of the seminarians are from our parish, John Miller and Ben Pitre.

All the desserts were prepared by our parishioners, whose generosity and kindness was appreciated by all who attended. Many thanks to all who helped to prepare the coffee and desserts and who helped to set up and clean up. A good time was had by all. This is the second year we have hosted our future priests during their summer seminar, and we hope it becomes a yearly activity!

Please remember to keep these men in your prayers as they continue their prayerful discernment of the priesthood. To see photos from their visit, click here.

Homily for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and eighth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of September 23, 2012

The bulletin for the week of September 23, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and seventh! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Monsignor Louis Melancon.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of September 16, 2012

The bulletin for the week of September 16, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and sixth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Father Lafleur Memorial Mass - Tomorrow Night

The Lieutenant Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur Memorial Mass will be TOMORROW at 6:30 PM, Friday, September 7, 2012 on the anniversary of Father Lafleur’s death at St. Landry Catholic Church, 1020 North Main Street, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bishop Glen Provost will serve as celebrant, and music will be provided by the Acadian French Choir in honor of Father Lafleur’s first language.

Joseph Verbis Lafleur was born in the Louisiana town of Ville Platte on January 24, 1912. Later, he would move with his family to nearby Opelousas, where he faithfully served as an altar boy at St. Landry Church during his youth; he also celebrated his first Solemn Mass there following his ordination to the priesthood for the Lafayette Diocese in 1938. He was then assigned to St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville but soon joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was sent to serve in the Philippine Islands during WW II shortly thereafter.

During his service, Father Lafleur was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, and Bronze star for his valor. He was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese, and on September 7, 1944, he and several hundred other prisoners were killed when the ship upon which they were being transported was torpedoed. Father Lafleur’s body was never recovered, but memories of survivors report that he was last seen aiding others to escape the sinking ship. The year 2012 marks the 68th anniversary of his death.

All are invited and welcome to attend the memorial Mass on September 7.

Those who are interested in learning more about Father Lafleur are encouraged to visit http://www.fatherlafleur.org for further information.

Bulletin for the Week of September 09, 2012

The bulletin for the week of September 09, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and fifth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of September 02, 2012

The bulletin for the week of September 02, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and fourth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Monsignor Louis Melancon.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of August 26, 2012

The bulletin for the week of August 26, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and third! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Deacon Dwayne Joubert.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of August 19, 2012

The bulletin for the week of August 19, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and second! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of August 12, 2012

The bulletin for the week of August 12, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

The 2012 Father Lafleur Memorial Mass

The Lieutenant Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur Memorial Mass will be at 6:30 PM, Friday, September 7, 2012 on the anniversary of Father Lafleur’s death at St. Landry Catholic Church, 1020 North Main Street, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bishop Glen Provost will serve as celebrant, and music will be provided by the Acadian French Choir in honor of Father Lafleur’s first language.

Joseph Verbis Lafleur was born in the Louisiana town of Ville Platte on January 24, 1912. Later, he would move with his family to nearby Opelousas, where he faithfully served as an altar boy at St. Landry Church during his youth; he also celebrated his first Solemn Mass there following his ordination to the priesthood for the Lafayette Diocese in 1938. He was then assigned to St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville but soon joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was sent to serve in the Philippine Islands during WW II shortly thereafter.

During his service, Father Lafleur was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, and Bronze star for his valor. He was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese, and on September 7, 1944, he and several hundred other prisoners were killed when the ship upon which they were being transported was torpedoed. Father Lafleur’s body was never recovered, but memories of survivors report that he was last seen aiding others to escape the sinking ship. The year 2012 marks the 68th anniversary of his death.

All are invited and welcome to attend the memorial Mass on September 7.

Those who are interested in learning more about Father Lafleur are encouraged to visit http://www.fatherlafleur.org for further information

104th Anniversary of Cornerstone

Today is the 104 year anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for the current building here at St. Landry Catholic Church. When standing outside of the church facing the front doors (to the east), the cornerstone is to your left. It was carved in 1907 and put into place on August 8, 1908. From my notes on the history of St. Landry Catholic Church ...

In 1900 a temporary church was completed. In 1902 the task of removing and clearing away the old church was started. In 1903 the foundation was formed with concrete and brick from the old church. On August 8, 1908 the cornerstone was laid. During the winter of 1908-1909 construction of the walls continued and was completed and occupied. On April 2, 1909, the first Friday of April, the first mass was said in the current St. Landry Church.  The interior of the church was not completed. Father John Engberink was our pastor who built the church. Father Engberink is buried in the floor of the church near the sanctuary.  Monsignor Albert Benedict Colliard followed Father Engberink as Pastor. Monsignor Colliard completed the interior. Monsignor Colliard is buried in St. Landry Cemetery near the cross.  Monsignor Broussard was the pastor following Monsignor Colliard. Monsignor Broussard in 1963 had the interior of the church redecorated and air conditioned.

As you can see from the photo at the top of this posting, the cornerstone is in Latin …

Ad

Laudem Dei Omnipotentis

Sub

Invocatione St. Landerici Epi – Et

Conf. Mense Januarii A.D. MCMVII

Primarius Novae Aedis Lapis

Collocatur Sedente S.S.D.N.

Pio Papa X

Reverendissime J.H. Blenk S.M. Arch

Rev. J. Engerbrink

Rectore Opelousas

Larry Jagneaux is a parishioner here that many of you know as a Eucharistic Minister at 10 AM Sunday mass.  Larry also teaches Latin 101 and Latin 102 at the Aquinas Institute and has published a textbook on Latin. He was gracious enough to translate the cornerstone as … (with a few additions to clear up the names and abbreviations)

To the praise of Almighty God, under the invocation of St. Landry, conferred in the month of January, 1907, the first stone of the new Church, set during the pontificate of Pope Pius X.  The most Reverend James Hubert Blenk, Society of Mary, being the Archbishop of New Orleans, and the Reverend John Engerbrink, Rector of Opelousas.

Homily for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our two hundred and first! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of August 5, 2012

The bulletin for the week of August 05, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our one hundred and ninety eighth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Monsignor Louis Melancon.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of July 29, 2012

The bulletin for the week of July 29, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Farewell to Seminarian Chris Cambre

A Farewell to Seminarian Chris Cambre

This talk is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding talk will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started posting talks from our parish on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, a Farewell to Seminarian Chris Cambre, is our one hundred and ninety ninth! podcast to be posted. With an introduction by Father James Brady, we hear a few words from Seminarian Chris Cambre.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the a Farewell to Seminarian Chris Cambre from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Homily for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our one hundred and ninety eighth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of July 22, 2012

The bulletin for the week of July 22, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our one hundred and ninety seventh! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father Austin Leger.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of July 15, 2012

The bulletin for the week of July 15, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our one hundred and ninety sixth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father Peter Muvea from Kitui, Kenya.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of July 8, 2012

The bulletin for the week of July 8, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our one hundred and ninety fifth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the week of July 1, 2012

The bulletin for the week of July 1, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Nativity of John the Baptist

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- over three years ago. This week, the Nativity of John the Baptist, is our one hundred and ninety fourth! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Nativity of John the Baptist homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of June 24, 2012

The bulletin for the week of June 24, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

For the Greater Glory - Movie

For the next few days at The Grand Theatre Ambassador in Lafayette (near Kaliste Saloom and Ambassador Caffery), "For The Greater Glory" is playing.

Showtimes on Sunday thru this Wednesday are: 12:15 pm, 3:20 pm, 6:30 pm, 9:40 pm. That means you only have a few days to see this important film.

It's a great movie, the true story about the Cristero War in Mexico during the 1920's. It details the oppression the Church faced from the Mexican government at that time and how the faithful came together to fight for freedom of religion and their right to the Mass.

It's been said to be the most expensive movie ever filmed in Mexico and stars Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, Peter O'Toole, and a host of all stars.

To see the movie trailer, click here.

Below is the synopsis from the movie website found by clicking here.

What price would you pay for freedom? In the exhilarating action epic FOR GREATER GLORY an impassioned group of men and women each make the decision to risk it all for family, faith and the very future of their country, as the film's adventure unfolds against the long-hidden, true story of the 1920s Cristero War ­the daring people¹s revolt that rocked 20th Century North America. Academy Award® nominee Andy Garcia headlines an acclaimed cast as General Gorostieta, the retired military man who at first thinks he has nothing personal at stake as he and his wife (Golden Globe nominee Eva Longoria) watch Mexico fall into a violent civil war. Yet the man who hesitates in joining the cause will soon become the resistance's most inspiring and self-sacrificing leader, as he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen . . . and transforms a rag-tag band of rebels into a heroic force to be reckoned with. The General faces impossible odds against a powerful and ruthless government. Yet is those he meets on the journey ­ youthful idealists, feisty renegades and, most of all, one remarkable teenager named Jose ­ who reveal to him how courage and belief are forged even when justice seems lost. Director Dean Wright brings a visual power honed from years as a leading Hollywood effects guru ­ on such blockbusters as TITANIC, THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy and CHRONICLES OF NARNIA ­ to this real-life tale that has never been told on screen before. The film is written by Michael Love. The producer is Pablo Jose Barroso. Garcia and Longoria lead a stellar multinational cast that includes the legendary Peter O¹Toole, rapidly rising star Oscar Isaac (DRIVE), recording star and actor Ruben Blades (SAFE HOUSE), Bruce Greenwood (STAR TREK, SUPER 8), Nestor Carbonell (THE DARK NIGHT RISES), Bruce McGill (LINCOLN), Santiago Cabrera (³Heroes,² CHE), Oscar®-nominated Catalina Sandino Moreno (MARIA FULL OF GRACE) and Eduardo Verástegui (BELLA). Shooting on historic locations throughout Mexico, the equally accomplished behind the scenes team includes director of photography Eduardo Martinez Solares (BAD HABITS), Oscar®-nominated editor Richard Francis-Bruce (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, SEVEN, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER¹S STONE), production designer Salvador Parra (VOLVER) and Oscar®-winning composer James Horner (AVATAR, TITANIC, BRAVEHEART).

Homily for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- three years ago. This week, the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our one hundred and ninety third! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Deacon Sammy Diesi.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for June 17, 2012

The bulletin for the week of June 17, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for Corpus Christi

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- three years ago. This week, Corpus Christi, is our one hundred and ninety second! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download Corpus Christi homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

June 10 - Feast of St. Landry

This is a reposting from the blog last year.


St. Landry’s feast day is today, June 10th. Who is St. Landry? St. Landry is a former Bishop of Paris, France, being consecrated Bishop of Paris in 650. On becoming Bishop of Paris, St. Landry saw the need of a proper institution for the care of the many sick poor of Paris. St. Landry built the first major hospital in Paris and dedicated it to St. Christopher. The hospital later changed its name to the Hotel-Dieu and is still open today. St. Landry is known for his generosity in times of famine and for his concern for the suffering poor. There are many stories that describe him selling off his possessions to help.

He is the patron of our church parish as well as our civil parish here in Opelousas, Louisiana. The Landry name is also a common surname for Cajun families in south Louisiana.

A Prayer:

Almighty God, you made St. Landry an outstanding exemplar of Divine love and faith that conquers the world and added him to the role of saintly pastors. Grant by his intercession that we may persevere in faith and love, and become shares with St. Landry in your glory. We ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bulletin for the Week of June 10, 2012

The bulletin for the week of June 10, 2012 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for Trinity Sunday

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

In the past few weeks, we've improved the quality of the recordings. Please let us know if you like the new sound.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- three years ago. This week, Trinity Sunday, is our one hundred and ninety first! podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Trinity Sunday homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Faith and Form at the University Art Museum

There is a new art and decorative art exhibit on the campus of UL in the Hilliard Art Museum. It's called Faith and Form and includes objects from churches, cathedrals, and private collections across the Diocese of Lafayette. The exhibit continues through September 1, 2012 as part of Louisiana's Bicentennial Celebration. It includes vestments, chalices, and other objects from Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas.

A New Look for our Maintenance Staff

Patrick Guillory, Terrance Miller, and Raymond Lavergne

Our maintenance staff is now sporting a new look. Raymond Lavergne, Patrick Guillory and Terrance Miller make up the maintenance staff under the direction of Deacon Sammy Diesi, and they work diligently to keep our grounds beautiful and our buildings maintained. In the past, it was hard for visitors to tell they were a part of the St. Landry church staff as they would wear their street clothes while working at the church. At the prompting of the crew, we decided it was time to have a more professional look, namely uniforms identifying them as St. Landry Church staff. This will help the many tourists and visitors to find staff if they have questions or need assistance. We hope you like the new look!