St. Philomena, Labadieville

The long history of the Catholic faith in Labadieville goes beyond available records; however, the early residents of St. Philomena Parish are fortunate to have been ministered to by Father Charles Menard. In 1842, the first mission was held at Brule Labadie by Father Menard, who kept a detailed journal of his missionary journeys down Bayou Lafourche.

Known as “The Apostle of Bayou Lafourche,” he was responsible for the first chapel in Labadie, blessed under the patronage of St. Philomena in 1848. His journal details his many trials and triumphs as he ministered to the Catholics along the bayou, especially at his successful Labadie mission.

These missionary journeys although very tiring gave me much satisfaction, especially those of Brule Labadie and Terrebonne.

In 1855, Bishop Antoine Blanc granted St. Philomena Parish its independence and Father Cyprian Vennisat was named the first pastor. Father Vennisat began to seek religious sisters to take charge of a parochial school for St. Philomena, but this proved impossible. Encouraged by Archbishop Perche, he decided to form a religious community of native daughters named the Institute of the Immaculate Conception. Founded in 1871, this teaching order of women exemplifies the enthusiasm of the Catholic community in Labadieville.

The present St. Philomena Church was built in 1888 and reflects an eclectic architectural style, although the graceful pointed arches and inserts of tracery in the church are Gothic. The windows, of art glass and opalescent glass, show the beauty of unpainted glass. The cemetery dates from the early years of the parish, and continues to be a reminder of days gone by. The founder of “Labadie” is buried there and a monument to those who died in the yellow fever epidemic still exists. St. Philomena School provided Catholic education for more than 100 years from its beginning in 1871 until it closed in 2005.

The parishioners of St. Philomena continue to cherish their Catholic faith, as did the very first faithful settlers along Bayou Lafourche.