The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-06-13
LETTER FROM TH1BopAux, La.

1HIBODAU4, LA May ~, 1914.
To the Editor Of the Morning Star:
Lafourche parish at this season wears O rich
and blooming aspect. The season so far has
been all that could be desired for the nourish-
ment Of the promising yonng crops of corn,
rice and cane, and the bayou threatens no over
flow. Thibodsnx is one of the fairest of little
towns. 1t is q rare thing to hear of case of
disorderly conduct on the part of white man,
and since the installation of the new parish
officers the conduct of the blacks has been
favorably improved.
On the evenings Of the 18th, 18th and 18th q
Catholic Fair was held at this place, the gross
proceeds of which amounted to $4,000, but the
good pastor, who always makes the fete exceed
the programme, expended this occasion
$500. The attendance each evening was very
large, and the entertainments were numerous
and attractive. The dramatic performances
were we'll received, and the py rotechnic dis
plays formed spectacles ofsurpassipg grandeur.
There are about $500 Catholics in this parish,
of which number there are about 1000 comm
nicants. The Catholic organizations consist
of six female and one male society. OF the
female societies, one consists of aged matrons;
the others of young ladies, girls and children.
The members of these societies reside in differ
emit parts of the parish, 80 their attendance in
procession when called depends on the state of
the weather. In the church of this place are
enshrined the relics CT st. Vaery. The fest-
val of the Saint took place on the 2Sth nit.
About $500 persons marched in procession on
that day, and the weather being fine, all the
societies turned out in full strength. The pro-
cession the whole was the most imposing 1
ever witnessed outside of large city.
On the I'd of February last-the festival of
the Publication of the Blessed Virgin-Father
Menard, the pastor of this parish celebrated
the thirty third year of his ministry in these
parts After the celebration of q solemn High
Mass on that day the entire congregation as
sembled around him, to offer their Fluctuations.
OF the thirty-three years of his ministry in
Louisiana, he spent fifteen inmissionary labors,
bringing back the lost sheep to the fold and
founding churches and schools. In those days
it was usual for him, after saying mass and
ministering to the wants of the community in
one settlement, to mount his horse and travel
twenty or thirty miles during the night to be- |
gin similar services at an appointed hour in an
other settlement next day. Now his place for |
worship is grand, and the services generally |
very imposing. But thirty years ago these
must have been simple indeed for his saddle
bags contained all the drapery of the altar and
the vestments of the celebrRnt.
This good priest is about ffty-eight years
of age. He is subject from time to time to |
severe attacks of headache; this has been his |
penance for the last fifteen years. But such is
his zeal and energy that, whether sick or we'll, |
at any hour of the night, in any weather, he is
ready to take the saddle and go to the remotest
corner of his extensive parish to attend sick
call.
One night, only few weeks ago, while very !
sick, his assistant being absent on a sick call,
another sick call came. Prostrate as he was,
he went out Id dark and damp, at the risk of
his own life, to give the last rites of the Church
to O departing soul. He returned from this
call SO exhausted that, on entering his room,
he fell PROSTATE and helpless on his lounge. A
severe spell of sickness ensued, from which,
am most happy to state, he has now recovered.
OF his varied and arduous duties, there is one
of which he seems very fond-that is, of col
lecting the youth of his parish in his church
on Sunday evenings, and instructing them in
the doctrines of the Church. he takes great
delight, too, in collecting the little girls, and
teaching them how to sing some favorite hymn.
Respectfully, J.H.R.
a.