The twelfth annual Fête-Dieu du Teche, held Saturday, Aug. 15, united Roman Catholics from across South Louisiana in celebration of their faith, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the arrival of the Acadians in Louisiana following their exile from Canada.
The day began with a French Mass at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville, celebrated by Bishop Douglas Deshotel. Following Mass, participants began a Eucharistic procession toward St. Martinville, accompanied by statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. The route retraced the historic journey taken by the Acadians more than 260 years ago, with stops in Arnaudville, Cecilia, Breaux Bridge, and Parks for the recitation of the rosary and Benediction.
That afternoon, the pilgrimage arrived at the Evangeline Oak in St. Martinville before continuing to Notre Dame Church for Benediction and then to St. Martin de Tours for another service. The day concluded with a solemn procession down Main Street to Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, where participants celebrated Vespers and received final Benediction…