Fête-Dieu du Teche

Recurring: Recurring every August 15th

Price: Free

August 15 is a very special day in Acadiana. For those in the Roman Catholic Church, it is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for those who trace their roots to the Acadians, it is Acadian Day. Since 1881, Acadians have celebrated National Acadian Day on August 15.

In the words of Abbot Marcel-François Richard, “In fact, it seems to me that a people who, for over a century of hardships and persecutions, was able to preserve its religion, language, customs, and autonomy, must have acquired enough importance to affirm its existence in a solemn way; and this could not be accomplished better than by being able to celebrate its own national holiday…” In this way, August 15 is a day that should resonate within the hearts of all those who embrace their Acadian heritage.

In celebration of these special occasions, Fête-Dieu du Teche, a Eucharistic procession will take place along Bayou Teche from Leonville to St. Martinville. 50 boats will disembark at 9:30am retracing the steps of Acadian ancestors along Bayou Teche. The 40-mile procession will make several stops along the way for a recitation of the Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

8:00 am – Holy Mass in French with Bishop John Douglas Deshotel, D.D. at St. Leo the Great Church, Leonville
9:00 am – Procession from St. Leo’s to Leonville boat landing
9:30 am – Boat Procession departs
10:20 am – Arrive at Arnaudville and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
11:45 am – Arrive at Cecilia and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
1:35 pm – Arrive at Breaux Bridge and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
3:15 pm – Arrive at Parks and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
4:45 pm – Flotilla arrives at St. Martinville behind Notre Dame; Foot Procession to Notre Dame de Perpetuel Secours for Benediction
5:00 pm – Procession from Notre Dame to St. Martin de Tours Church for Benediction
5:30 pm -Procession down Main Street to Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel for Solemn Vespers & Final Benediction
6:00 pm – Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at Mater Dolorosa Chapel