LAFAYETTE — In just a few short weeks, the fifth annual Fȇte-Dieu du Teche will begin its 38 mile journey on bayou waters. Father Michael Champagne and Nicole Patin joined our Katie Lopez on the show this morning to share more.
Th annual procession down Bayou Teche will take place on Thursday, August 15 on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. This day also marks the 254th anniversary of the arrival of French-Canadian immigrants who brought the Catholic faith to Acadiana.
Hundreds are expected to travel by boat to celebrate this occasion in honoring the Blessed Sacrament and Acadian heritage.
In a press release, Fr. Michael Champagne explains that during Fȇte-Dieu du Teche "the Blessed Sacrament will be fixed on an altar on the lead boat under a canopy, with a pair of adorers in adoration between the towns visited. Another boat will carry the statue of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Eucharistic Procession will stop and disembark at makeshift altars along the Bayou Teche for recitation of the Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For those who are unable to participate by boat, all are invited to join for Mass at St. Leo the Great in Leonville at 8 am and then to drive and gather at any of the planned stops along the banks behind the various churches along Bayou Teche. Priests will be available at each stop for Confessions.
Boat registration is still open! To register a boat for the procession, click HERE or send an email to fetedieuduteche@gmail.com.