Saint John the Baptist Celebrates 150 Years with a Special Visit from Papal Nuncio

On June 26, 2021, Saint John the Baptist Parish in Many celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special visit from Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the U.S. Representative for Pope Francis, complete with police escorts and Vatican security. The parish celebrated Mass and was followed by an anniversary luncheon. Concelebrating were our own Bishop Francis I. Malone of Shreveport, Father Francis Kamau, FMH, Pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish, and Bishop Robert W. Marshall, Jr. of Alexandria.

Archbishop Pierre is from the same region of France as Father Francois LeVezouet, who established St. John the Baptist as a permanent mission in 1871, later overseeing its construction of the actual church and cemetery, and the installation of the church’s first resident pastor, Father J. A. Aubree.

Father Francois LeVezouet is one of the five martyr priests up for canonization for his service during the Shreveport Yellow Fever outbreak in 1873. He traveled from Natchitoches to Shreveport (a long way without a car), to administer sacraments to the sick and care for the dying.

“You are going to your death,” someone told him. to which Fr. LeVezouet responded: “I believe it, but I know that I am taking the surest and shortest path to heaven.” As a known consequence, he eventually fell to the fever, and died October 8, 1873, the final of the priests.

Saint John the Baptist is drawing this celebration over the course of the whole year, including a summer speaker series that was held in July, a fishing tournament in September, and a St. John’s School reunion in October. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday’s events began with a rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. that was so well attended it needed an overflow tent outside, followed by a luncheon at noon where everyone could share memories and learn about the church history. Thank you Archbishop Pierre for your presence at such a momentous anniversary!