Bishop Provost Celebrates 15th Anniversary

 

Bishop Provost reflected on that advice as he celebrated his 15th Episcopal Anniversary among the faithful at the noon Mass on Friday, April 22, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He was consecrated to the Episcopacy and installed as Bishop on April 23, 2007.

 

It was a blessing for the Bishop to be surrounded by many priests, religious, and deacons — some of whom have been with the Diocese since its founding 42 years ago.

 

“I am truly grateful to God and to you, the faithful of the Diocese,” Bishop Provost expressed in his homily.

 

He likened his role as bishop to a farmer or gardener who plants, and in so doing chose as his motto, “He plants for those to come” — Pro venturis serit.

 

“A bishop cooperates with the Lord in planting seeds of the kingdom, for indeed the Church is His,” he continued. “The image of planting and growth is a rich symbol and has served as reminder to me throughout these years of the work required of a successor of the Apostles.”

 

Bishop Provost said one of his greatest joys of being a bishop is the time spent with youth at confirmations and school visitations.

 

“I always allow them to ask me questions. They are the future of the Church,” he said. “If I can in whatever way help them, then this is cause for some happiness. It was very much this motivation that led me to support wholeheartedly the building of Camp Karol.”

 

In addition to the Catholic youth camp in Moss Bluff, several endeavors of particular importance to Bishop Provost over the past 15 years include his dedication to Catholic schools, his devotion to increasing vocations to the priesthood, the restoration of the historic Cathedral, and expanding the work of Catholic Charities in the Diocese.

 

Concelebrants of Bishop Provost’s anniversary Mass included the Very Rev. Ruben J. Buller, V.G.; Monsignor Daniel A. Torres, V.G.; Very Rev. Aubrey Guilbeau, V.E.; Very Rev. Ruben Villarreal, J.C.L.; Very Rev. Rommel Tolentino; Rev. Michael Barras, Rev. Jeffrey Starkovich, Rev. John Payne, J.C.L.; Rev. Andrew DeRouen, and Rev. Levi Thompson, with Rev. Samuel Bond serving as Master of Ceremonies. Assisting during the liturgy were Deacon George Stearns, Deacon Brian Soileau, and Deacon Patrick Lapoint.

 

Please join the Diocese of Lake Charles in congratulating His Excellency, The Most Reverend Glen John Provost on 15 years as Bishop of Lake Charles. May God grant him many more years of good health and the graces he needs to lead us ever more closer to Our Lord.