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Destination: With this issue, we begin a short series on the oldest Catholic churches still in use in the U.S. The fifth oldest church, St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in Louisiana is readying for its 250th anniversary and “grand celebration” on Feb. 2
Masses are offered Sunday at 7 and 10:15 a.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday at 8 a.m. There is no Mass on Monday.
Why to go: St. Gabriel Church was believed to have been built in 1771. Parish website says its first location was probably near Fort Manchac. Mississippi River flooding forced several moves of the building. The church was moved to its present site in December 1887.
The 250th anniversary of the Catholic faith on the banks of the Mississippi is “a wonderful milestone and testimony of our French Acadian Christian Catholic Faith,” the website states. “We Cajuns are known for our strong Christian Catholic way of life through our love of God and our love for one another. We are also known for ‘passing a good time.’ Through the (anniversary) year we will be coming together to pass a good time and to share precious memories and stories that make us the unique Christian Catholic Community of St. Gabriel.”
If you plan to be in the area Feb. 2, the anniversary Mass will be at 10:15 a.m. with Bishop Michael Duca and Bishop Robert Muench. A luncheon will follow the Mass and the old church will be open for viewing. RSVP by Jan. 22 at http://www.stgabrielcatholicchurch.com/anniversary/rsvp/. (There is no charge listed, but we suspect generous donations from guests who are from outside of the parish would be appreciated.)
Accessibility: There are a few steps at the front door to this small-town parish.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.
Info: Address — St. Gabriel Church, 3625 Highway 75, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 70776
Phone — 225-642-8441
Website — http://www.stgabrielcatholicchurch.com/
— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story
Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org