This is one of my favorite Catholic Churches in Louisiana. That is Holy Trinity in Shreveport Louisiana. Quite a history here and is very beautiful on the inside. For more on this Church go here. It has a nice history section. Let me before we proceed to the louisiana links for today highlight a important part of it.
The dreaded disease, yellow fever, had struck Shreveport twice before the year 1873, and Father Pierre had proved himself to be a model of charity and sacrifice in ministering the sick. The worst yellow fever epidemic to be experienced in Shreveport appeared in mid-August 1873 and lasted through mid-November. One-third of area residents may have fled before quarantines were enforced. Total cases numbered somewhere between 2600 and 3000 with 759 deaths. Five priests and two religious sisters died while caring for those who were ill. One of the priests was Father John Pierre.
Father Joseph Gentille record the following in his diary:
Father Pierre was struggling with the plague. The battle had commenced for the leaders. One had fallen. His young Assistant, Father Isidore Queremais, who was laboring under the dreadful disease Consumption was the first to pay his tribute to the epidemic. On the 15th of September he died. Father Pierre followed his assistant on the 16th of September. His death was a public calamity. He was beloved and esteemed by all.
Death was not yet satisfied. Father Biler, Chaplain to the Sisters at St. Vincent's, Fairfield stood alone on the ramparts. Before he fell reinforcements had come from two different priests. Two worthy, holy priests came to Shreveport to share the fate and the crown of those who had already fallen.
Rev. L. Gergaud parish priest of Monroe arrived in time to assist poor Father Biler who on the 26th of September answered the call of the Savior and received the reward of his christian charity and heroism. Father Gergaud ministered to the wants of the plague stricken on by four days. Yellow fever struck him dead on the 1st of October 1873.
Father F. LeVezouet came from Natchitoches in time to assist and console dear Father Gergaud. Out of five one was yet standing animated, worn and he fell, but before falling had entreated Most Rev. Bishop Perche of N.O. (New Orleans) to send help and assistance. He fought the dreadful disease until he himself could be anointed. Then he breathed his last Oct. 8th, 1973.
Rev. Father Duffo S.J. and Charles Ferec from the Cathedral left N.O. on Friday October 3rd and arrived here Wednesday, 8th. Father Duffo visited Father LeVezouet as he was dying at Dr. Moore's residence. Father Ferec had a mild attack of the yellow fever. He recovered, returned to N.O. at the beginning of December. Father Duffo stayed at Shreveport until the arrival of the new pastor Rev. J. Gentille who was coming from Lake Providence, Carrol (sic) Parish, La. He left Lake Providence November 24th. On his way to his new field of labor he stopped at Natchitoches to see Bishop Martin and received his instructions. On December 8th Father Gentille in company of Dom I. Robot took the Steamer Durfee. They arrived at Shreveport on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The new Pastor was received by Father Duffo and on the 11th at High Mass he was inaugurated, he entered immediatley into the discharge of his pastoral duties.
First be sure to keep Dei Gratia in your prayers. He is need of our prayers.Go see Prayer Request.
Footprints on The Fridge is blogging on the raod while on her family vacation. Go to On the Road--Round One and On the Road--Round Two
Thoughts & Ruminations from Fr. Ryan has a post that is On Gary Wills .
From The Recamier has her daily post up. She starts out with what we Catholics were observing yesterday. That is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul. Also the Saint for yesterday Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin (died 1852). She has a ton of history for yesterday as usual.
Alive and Young has another in his series at Not Said By Jesus Sunday .
Arrival : The Parousian Weblog has a very good post today. Go seeT.S. Eliot and Community: Part II of III
We end with the Brown Pelican Society and his usual exhaustive collection of daily links and post as to todays news.
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On Trust in God: "Let Us Not be Afraid of the Future, Even When it Appears Bleak"
Sunday Angelus: Natural Disasters and Human Tragedies Do Not Mean The End of the World, Says Pope
Fred Thompson: Backs Terri Schiavo's Parents, Courts Should Favor Life
TODAY'S GOSPEL & MEDITATION - The Gift of Sight
TODAY'S SAINT - St. Agnes of Assisi 1197-1253
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