Butte La Rose Et Les Entourage
Bonjour.
Bonne Journey de Pâques!
I begin my week going a little early to St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Catahoula to sing my favorite old gospel songs before we recite the Rosary. These songs I learned when we were growing up and they were a big part of our lives. These beautiful detailed gospel songs made us very aware of the meaning of God our Savior, and Jesus, and to love thy neighbor, heaven and hell. There is very little it on the radio now. Church is the only place to sing them anymore. Then soon after the Rosary is finished, and when Peré Pelous walks up on the alter to begin his 7:30 Mass, I sing an entrance church song. I sing during collection and the offering and during Communion. God loaned me the gift to sing so I try to share it with my people.
And of course I try to do the same at Father Chanh’s 3 p.m. Saturday Mass in Butte La Rose.
After church on Sunday, I drive to St. Martinville to the Petit Paris Café and there I sit and play my guitar and sing Cajun and old country songs for visitors till about two. I am at an advantage because I connect with the locals and visitors from around the world, including the Américains who hunger for knowledge of our culture and looking for someone to speak French with. I also sing little bitty songs for the little children and the grandparents sing right along with us. These are my golden years.
Oftentimes out-of-town folks come to the café looking for information about things they have read about in our area. Well, wouldn’t you know there are always local guardian angels in the place who know a little something to answer. And oftentimes locals in the place will recognize each other from times past and then have so much talking to catch up with. And some people come there to eat to be in the small town peace and quiet.
Tony and Rhonda from New Iberia brought their visiting friends from Lake Charles for beignets. We also had four ladies from Minnesota stop by on their way to New Orleans and enjoying the St. Martinville sites.
Joe and Winona Standridge from St. Martinville come by every Sunday. Do you all remember Patsy Montana, the singer, yoddler and actress in the Gene Autry movies? She was Joe’s aunt and he reminisces about her now and then. Joe and Winona sing in the church choir in town.
So that is why I ask to bring and share your stories to me at the café on Sundays. All week long I am à ma maison.
Does any one have a big bird cage to get rid of? I need one with the nests to put a dozen doves outside and off my porch. Call me, 228-1714.
Good Friday is here and that means the annual Way of the Cross walk.
Saint Rita’s Catholic Church’s marche d’Le Chemin d’la Croix began in 1963. Along this journey a meditation is recited at the pause between each of the 14 stations in particular to reflect in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s voyage. A candle is lit each time in dedication to the youth who travel that highway. And for those of us who are able to participate, it starts at 8:30 at Pine Alley on La. 96, the Catahoula Highway, and ends at The Madonna Hall usually around noon. A tractor pulls a covered wagon for those who may need to take a break from the walk. The Rosary is recited between the stations and some one leads in church and gospel songs. Everyone taking part in the walk takes turns in pulling the large wooden cross depicting the cross that Jesus was nailed to and died on, His sacrifice in giving His life for ours.
The church service for the Veneration of the Cross is at three, the estimated time of Jesus’s death. Please, every one is encouraged to come take part in the walk and the memorable service.
Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church in Arnaudville began their walk in 2000 and their starting point begins at 8:30 a.m. at St. Catherine’s and ends at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cecilia at about noon. Their church service for the Veneration of the Cross is also at three.
Amitié à tout.
Cousine Hélène
Contact Helen Boudreaux, the Teche News’ Butte La Rose area correspondent, at helenboudreaux@juno.com.