Fête-Dieu du Teche moves to the Mississippi

Organizers say the 10th annual Fête-Dieu du Teche, a Eucharistic procession that has traditionally been part of a boat parade on the Bayou Teche, will be on a different waterway this year.
The 2024 event will be Fête-Dieu du Mississippi for a 130-mile trip down the Mississippi from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.
A procession of house, tug and steamboats launch will be Aug. 14 in Baton Rouge and land in New Orleans the following evening. 
The procession has garnered attention from state and local officials who are encouraging attendance. The event is a fusion of the National Eucharistic Revival with a local tradition held by the religious Community of Jesus Crucified .
“The historic river procession is planned in conjunction with the national three-year Eucharistic Revival taking place in the United States and is intended as a missionary endeavor following on the heels of the recent National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis this past July,” read the Aug. 4 press release. 
“Over the past three years the Catholic Church in the United States of America has been experiencing a Eucharistic Revival,” said nationally-acclaimed speaker and Baton Rouge pastor Father Josh Johnson in a statement shared with CNA. “The bishops are now sending all Catholics out on mission to share our Eucharistic Lord with everyone throughout our neighborhoods, on the highways, and even in the water!”
Jesus in the Eucharist will be accompanied by at least 14 boats.  
While a procession on foot is usually led by a cross-bearer, this procession will have a dedicated boat to carry a specially-made 17-foot-tall crucifix. Another vessel carrying historic bells will announce the coming of the Blessed Sacrament, while a houseboat will bear the 14-foot-tall monstrance.
Louisiana’s governor and local mayors have encouraged residents to attend the river procession, citing its historical and religious significance. 
“The Mighty Mississippi, once named the River of the Immaculate Conception, has been a blessing to our great state with all types of industry, commerce, worship, and recreation occurring on its waters and along its banks,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said in the press release. 
Landry said the procession is “an historic moment in our state, highlighting the strong faith of our people and giving us an opportunity to ask God for his protection.”
“This historic event not only celebrates our faith but also unites our community in a spirit of reverence and reflection,” Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome added.  
“New Orleans could not be the world-class city it is today without the Mississippi River and those who work hard on it day in and day out to provide for their families,” noted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who said she “could not be more excited for the Fête-Dieu du Mississippi to bless our city, state, and river!”
Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans in a July 31 letter shared with CNA said the event is “one of a kind,” calling it “an extraordinary public witness of our faith” and encouraging laity, religious, and clergy to participate.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, who headed the National Eucharistic Revival and Congress, endorsed the event, encouraging people to attend the Masses and processions.  
“As the bishop of the diocese where the Mississippi begins, I am so delighted that the wonderful tradition of the Fête-Dieu du Mississippi continues to grow,” Cozzens said in a statement. “As we saw through the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress, whenever we honor Our Lord in the Eucharist, he pours out blessings upon us and our country.”
Learn more at fetedieuduteche.org.