The sixth annual Fete-Dieu du Teche will proceed this year with COVID-19 safety measures in place.
This year's 40-mile Eucharistic Procession by boat will be in petition for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Fr. Michael Champagne of Community of Jesus Crucified in St. Martinville.
The Procession takes place Saturday, August 15.
Those participating in and observing the procession will be expected to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Those with health concerns or who are unable to wear a mask are asked not to attend.
The Community of Jesus Crucified will provide online coverage of the event via their Facebook page for those who cannot attend. Click here.
Fr. Champagne says that marshals will be on hand to insure safety precautions are followed at all sites visited during the procession.
Approximately 315 people will be allowed to attend the 8:00 am Mass in French at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville. A speaker system will be set up outside of the church for those unable to enter the church.
Following Mass, the procession with the Blessed Sacrament and a statue of Mary and St. Joseph will head to the nearby boat landing for the water procession.
According to Fr. Champagne, August 15 is an important date for Roman Catholics in South Louisiana as it is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Acadian people and of Acadiana. It is also a day that marks the 255th anniversary of the arrival of French-Canadian immigrants who brought the Catholic faith to Acadiana.
Those interested in registering for this year's boat procession are asked to email fetedieuduteche@gmail.com, download a registration form here, or complete the online form here.
Completed forms and waivers can be mailed to 103 Railroad Avenue, St. Martinville, LA 70582 or scanned and emailed to fetedieuduteche@gmail.com.
Itinerary for Centennial Eucharistic Boat Procession on Bayou Teche
Saturday, August 15, 2020 (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
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