Annual feast of Assumption Mass

Bishop Michael G. Duca celebrated the annual Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Madonna Chapel in Bayou Goula on Aug.  15, the Assumption of Mary feast day. 

The chapel, known to many as “the smallest church in the world,” was built in 1903 by Tony Gullo in thanksgiving to Mary for his child’s recovery from a serious illness.  Constructed of Louisiana cypress, the church measures 9’ x 9’ and only accommodates a few people at a time.
Shortly after completion in 1903, a Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated on the feast of the Assumption and became an annual tradition.
Every year worshippers assemble on the front lawn of the chapel for the special Mass.

The large Madonna statue in the chapel was ordered from Italy by Gullo and predates the chapel. Each year, the statue is adorned with jewelry that through the years has been offered in thanksgiving.
Donations and fundraisers have provided the necessary funds for upkeep of the chapel.