Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G. | Diocese of Baton Rouge

On April 20, a unique and spiritual event took place as the community of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in St. Amant, along with St. Joseph Church in French Settlement and St. Stephen the Martyr Church in Maurepaus, organized a Floating Eucharistic Procession known as Reverence on the River. More than 50 boats participated in the processional, blessing hundreds of people who gathered along the riverbanks.

Tara Sevario, a member of the Reverence on the River organizational committee, expressed the significance of the event, stating, "We thought it would be a wonderful blessing for the start of recreational boating season to have Jesus present in the Eucharist to bless a loving community." She also emphasized, "Even those who do not share our faith in the real Presence of the Holy Eucharist will receive abundant grace just by seeing the host and being in his presence."

The day commenced with a gathering at DiCarlos Food and Spirits in Maurepaus, featuring a time of fellowship and praise led by musician Megan Braud. Deacon Michael Parker of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary then welcomed participants and led an opening prayer in anticipation of the Blessed Sacrament's arrival. Father Matt Lorraine, pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, conducted the benediction before the procession embarked on the boats, marked by the sounding of the "Gator Cannon" from St. Amant High School.

During the one-hour procession, community members gathered along the riverbanks, drawn by the sound of bells and the scent of incense, to honor the Eucharist. The event concluded at Creative Cajun Cooking, where clergy recited scripture and shared messages from the saints of the church.

The Reverence on the River is inspired by the annual Fête-Dieu du Teche, a Eucharistic procession in the Diocese of Lafayette. This event also aligns with the National Eucharistic Revival initiated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, aiming to renew the Church through a deeper connection with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

The Floating Eucharistic Procession not only brought together members of the community but also provided a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and unity, as captured in the images of people kneeling as the Eucharist was brought to the boat and the Blessed Mother aboard one of the processional boats.

Photo sources: Megan Babin Photography, Claire's Southern Photography