LAKE CHARLES — Knights of Columbus Council 1207 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception received the Faith Award at the Louisiana State Council Knights of Columbus 118th State Convention in Lafayette on May 5, 2023.
Accomplishing the request of Rev. Rommel Tolentino, Cathedral rector in February 2022, the award reflects Council 1207’s faith in action for their volunteer work in converting the former day chapel into an adoration chapel.
Now referred to as the St. Bernadette Oratory, some of the renovations included re-wiring the 820-square-foot chapel, sanding and re-staining eight wooden pews removed from the Cathedral during the 2019 restoration project, replacing carpet with wood-look vinyl flooring, and painting and stenciling on walls. The carpentry, electrical, painting and various other skills of the KC members all came into play during a three-week period under direction of Father Tolentino, then-Grand Knight Scott Riviere, and project supervisor, Stephen Broussard.
On March 6, 2022, Bishop Glen John Provost dedicated the Oratory, choosing its name because the Blessed Mother identified herself to St. Bernadette as the “Immaculate Conception,” for whom the Cathedral is named. The renovation project was funded by KC Council 1207 along with donations from Cathedral parishioners.
St. Bernadette Oratory, located at 935 Bilbo Street, is open to the public during the Cathedral office hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Receiving the Knights of Columbus Louisiana State Convention 2023 "Faith Award" on June 27 from District Deputy Knight Daniel Reyes (second from right), are from left, Stephen Broussard, financial secretary; Jimmy Bushnell, Grand Knight; and Very Rev. Ruben Buller, V.G., Rector of Cathedral. The annual award was announced during the 118th State Convention in Lafayette on May 5. (Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles)
