Floating Eucharistic Procession Blesses Hundreds

 As a community of avid boaters, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in St. Amant partnered with St Joseph Church in French Settlement and St. Stephen the Martyr Church in Maurepaus to bring the Eucharist out into the community to meet people right where they are during Reverence on the River on April 20.

More than 50 boats participated in the processional and hundreds of people were blessed, according to event organizers.

“We thought it would be a wonderful blessing for the start of recreational boating season to have Jesus present in the Eucharist to bless a loving community,” said Tara Sevario, a member of the Reverence on the River organizational committee. “Even those who do not share our faith in the real Presence of the Holy Eucharist will receive abundant grace just by seeing the host and being in his presence.”  

The event is modeled after Fête-Dieu du Teche, a 38-mile Eucharistic procession celebrated in the Diocese of Lafayette each year on August 15.

The day began with an hour of fellowship and praise at DiCarlos Food and Spirits in Maurepaus with music led by Megan Braud. 

Deacon Michael Parker, deacon assistant of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, welcomed those participants and led them in opening prayer in anticipation of the arrival of Our Lord in the Eucharist. 

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament began at 10 a.m., followed by a few moments of Adoration with the reading of Scripture. Father Matt Lorrain, pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, led the benediction before the processional to the boat. 

As they boarded the boat, St. Amant High School’s "Gator Cannon" was sounded to signify the arrival of Jesus.