Fete Dieu du Teche 2019

   Neither scorching heat nor driving rain could stop the Faithful of the Diocese of Lafayette from honoring Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother, Mary on the Feast of her Assumption. The Fȇte-Dieu du Teche, a unique 38-mile Eucharistic Procession by boat,  took place on the Feast of the Assumption, Thursday, August 15, also known as the Feast Day of the Acadian people. It was standing room only at the opening Mass at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville, which was celebrated by Bishop Douglas Deshotel. At the end of Mass, participants walked in procession from St. Leo Church with the Blessed Sacrament and a statue of Mary to the nearby boat landing. Boats then processed down the Bayou Teche toward St. Martinville, retracing the voyage made by the Acadians over 250 years ago. The boat procession stopped at churches in the towns along the Teche for Rosary and Benediction. Stops were made in Arnaudville, Cecilia, Breaux Bridge, Parks, and St Martinville. The final boat procession landed at the bridge in St. Martinville, and then moved to a foot procession to Notre Dame de Perpetual Secours, St. Martin de Tours, and finally down main street to Mater Dolorosa Chapel for Solemn Vespers and Benediction. Here’s a look at some of our favorite moments!