Eucharistic Procession in River Parishes to Include 50 Boats

St. Amant, La. – More than 50 boats will follow a Eucharistic procession on the Diversion Canal through Livingston and Ascension parishes on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The new event, which organizers from three Catholic churches have named Reverence on the River, is modeled after Fête-Dieu du Teche, a 38-mile Eucharistic procession celebrated in the Diocese of Lafayette each year on August 15, Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Matt Lorrain, Fr. Jason Palermo, and Deacon Michael Parker are the clergy organizers. 

“Here in Louisiana and more specifically Ascension and Livingston parishes, boating is an important part of the culture that most of our community participates in,” said organizer Brontë Picou, a member of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parish. “We felt it was important to allow the blessing of the Eucharist to meet people where they are – on the river!”

The boats alone will expose more than 200 participants to Eucharistic Adoration, Picou said, and there will be four land locations from which to watch the procession, with benediction offered over those gathered at each. An hour of praise and worship will precede the launch from DiCarlo’s Food & Spirits in Maurepas, and the procession will end with a rosary, praise, and worship at Creative Cajun Cooking in St. Amant. Family homes along the river are hosting private viewings of the event as well. “Many people never get to experience the grace that is given when you look upon Jesus in the Eucharist,” she said. 

The event ties into the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year program initiated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2022 as part of a strategic plan to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The program is in its second year, focusing on parish renewal.

“By publicly proclaiming our belief in Jesus’ True Presence in the Eucharist, our church parishes have the opportunity to invite people from all walks of life to ask questions, encounter Christ, and experience the grace offered by the sacrament,” Picou said. “Not only do we feel we will reach over 500 people that day, but we know His Presence on the river will be a blessing to our community and touch people in many ways.” 

See attached flyer for more information.