Registration for the Fifth Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche is now open.
The 38-mile Eucharistic Boat Procession is scheduled to be held on August 15, also known as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to Cajun Travel, it is also a day that marks the 254th anniversary of the arrival of French-Canadian immigrants.
Hundreds will travel by boat to celebrate this occasion in honoring the Blessed Sacrament and the Acadian heritage. Last year the event was held on the Vermilion River to help celebrate the centennial of the Diocese of Lafayette.
During this year's Fête-Dieu du Teche, the procession will stop and disembark at makeshift altars along the Bayou Teche for recitation of the Rosary and Benediction.
Organizers say that those unable to participate by boat can join for Mass at St. Leo the Great in Leonville at 8:00 am. Participants may then drive to gather at any of the planned stops along the Bayou Teche. Priests will be available at each stop for confessions.
To register a boat for the procession, send an email to fetedieuduteche@gmail.com or download a registration form at fetedieuduteche.org The procession will travel at about 8 mph and thus only motorized vessels are allowed. Church parishes, ecclesial movements, KC and St. Peter Claver councils, Catholic schools, etc. are encouraged to register a boat and decorate it accordingly.
The Itinerary for Centennial Eucharistic Boat Procession on Bayou Teche is below:
Thursday, August 15, 2018
(Feast of the Assumption of Mary)
8:00 a.m. Holy Mass in French with Bishop John Douglas Deshotel, D.D. at St. Leo the Great Church, Leonville
9:00 a.m. Procession from St. Leo's to Leonville boat landing
9:30 a.m. Boat Procession departs
10:20 a.m. Arrive at Arnaudville and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
11:45 a.m. Arrive at Cecilia and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
1:35 p.m. Arrive at Breaux Bridge and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
3:15 p.m. Arrive at Parks and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
4:45 p.m. Flotilla arrives at St. Martinville; Foot Procession to Notre Dame de Perpetuel Secours for Benediction
5:00 p.m. Procession from Notre Dame to St. Martin de Tours Church for Benediction
5:30 p.m. Procession down Main Street to Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel for Solemn Vespers & Final Benediction
6:00 p.m. Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at Mater Dolorosa Chapel
** Confessions will be available at all stops in Mobile Units along the Procession Boat Registration
For more information, visit the website www.fetedieuduteche.org or Fete-Dieu du Teche on Facebook
