A Celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption on August 15 for the past decade
The Fête-Dieu du Teche…
takes place on August 15. The date is important for Roman Catholics as it is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Acadian people and of Acadiana. It is also a day that marks the anniversary of the arrival of French-Canadian immigrants who brought the Catholic faith to Acadiana after enduring great trials and suffering. Having a Eucharistic Procession by boat on the waters of the Teche rather than by foot in the streets makes a lot of sense. Fête-Dieu du Teche on the Feast of the Assumption recalls our rich Acadian history and, in a way, re-enacts the journey made by the Acadians 250 years ago. The Acadians were persecuted for their Catholic faith and sent into exile from Nova Scotia. Many ended up settling in Louisiana. Having a boat procession with the Blessed Sacrament and a statue of the Assumption involving priests, religious, and laity is basically what happened in 1765. To serve the Acadian settlers in the Attakapas district, Fr. Jean-Louis de Civrey accompanied the Acadians on their journey down the Bayou Teche. Fr. Civrey became the first resident priest. In his records, Fr. Civrey refers to his new home as “la Nouvelle Acadie” and his new parish “l'Église des Attakapas (Attakapas Church)” and later, “lÉglise St-Martin de Tours (St. Martin de Tours Church). It is believed that St. Martinville is named after the Church. Having the Catholic Priest accompany the Acadians on their journey to Acadiana is indicative of our ancestors’ great allegiance to their Catholic Faith, especially the Eucharist and Our Lady.
Fête-Dieu du Teche today relives that original experience of the Acadians.
What happens at Fête-Dieu du Teche?
During Fȇte-Dieu du Teche the Blessed Sacrament is fixed on an altar on the lead boat under a canopy, with a pair of adorers in adoration between the towns visited. Another boat carries the statue of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Eucharistic Procession stops and disembarks at makeshift altars along the Bayou Teche for the recitation of the Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. All are invited to join for Mass at the start of the day and then to drive and gather at any of the planned stops along the banks behind the various churches along Bayou Teche. Priests are available at each stop for Confessions.
Bishop Douglas Deshotel notes…
“I have been edified by the devotion and participation of so many priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful. I think such a public Eucharistic celebration is an excellent manifestation of the new evangelization that we so desperately need.”
Fr. Champagne, CJC adds…
“We need a day that is a true ‘feast day,’ in the old sense of the word - a holiday that’s truly a Holy Day … where we can really, all day long, have a feast day. Such is our celebration Fête-Dieu du Teche!”