Blessings are well received in South Louisiana: a rich French Catholic heritage still echoes through most aspects of life. Native American spiritual sensitivities are highly tuned toward man's dependence on God; even the strongest of men bow in humble awe before the Gulf where the drunken rage of hurricanes can threaten their homes, their very lives.

While Covid-19 has postponed the Bayou Crand Caillou boat blessing (an annual event where the parish priest blesses the local fishermen and their boats a week before the shrimping season begins), blessings in themselves have not been canceled. With the help of God and the Poor Friars who are constantly looking for ways to announce the Gospel, blessings have been coming to the houses along the streets of our bayou!

In an effort to reach out and minister to the (almost) entirely home-bound and quarantined parish entrusted to us, each Saturday we have been walking through different parts of the community in Dulac, blessing streets, front yards, and houses.  

This experience has enabled us to meet our parishioners at their homes (or rather, in front of them - respecting social distancing!), allowing us to check in on them and reassure them of the closeness of Christ and the Church. 

The mission has indeed been fruitful! Many former parishioners, who no longer practice the Faith but still remember their Act of Contrition by heart and willingly make the Sign of the Cross, desire to return to Church once (Lord willing) the virus precautions have been lifted.

This may be among the "poorer" parishes, but as we discover day after day, this land is indeed blessed - a hidden treasure, that in many ways has yet to be revealed. We are filled with hope for the future: that our community here will come out of this "little storm" even stronger, our church will be filled with more hearts who are faithful, and our lives will be all the more blessed in Christ - with every blessing found in Him.

To follow the Poor Friars' efforts at Evangelization near the Holy Family Catholic Church, Dulac, Click HERE to view (and like) their Facebook page.