By Pamela Seal 
Diocese of Lake Charles 

Taking a hot shower, brushing teeth, and having clean clothes are just a few things that many take for granted without even realizing it. Many others who consider it a luxury, can now turn to Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana. No questions asked. 

Bishop Glen John Provost blessed a new mobile laundry/shower trailer on January 3 in the parking lot of the Chancery, along with a truck and van used in helping provide essential resources to many in the community. 

KINDER — Deacon Roy T. Nash, 68, of Kinder, LA, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Nash was celebrated on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Alan Trouille was the celebrant. His Excellency, The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, attended “in choir” and gave the final commendation. The Rite of Committal followed at Green Oak Cemetery.
 
All of Deacon Nash's arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Kinder. 

“I proclaim to you good news of great joy.” Luke 2:10

The story is told that on the day of Christ’s birth the Emperor Augustus consulted a prophetess, the Tiburtine Sibyl.   The Roman Senate wished to name the Emperor a god because under him peace, in the estimation of many, had come to the world.   The shrewd Emperor, knowing he was only a man, asked the prophetic Sibyl, whether the world one day would see the birth of a greater than he.   At this moment, the prophetess saw a golden ring surrounding the sun and in the center of the circle stood a beautiful Virgin with a Child at her bosom.   A voice was heard to say, “This woman is the Altar of Heaven.”   Then, the Sibyl spoke to the Emperor, “This Child will be greater than you” (cf. 13^th century, Jacobus de Voragine, The Golden Legend for the Feast of the Nativity).

Bishop Provost issues the following statement regarding the Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans, published on Monday, December 18, 2023: “The Catholic Church continues to teach definitively that marriage is between one man and one woman. The latest document from the Vatican continues to affirm this Gospel teaching, as well as the efficacy of blessings for the on-going conversion of all individuals who are properly disposed. Blessings are part of the pastoral practice of the Church. As a pastor of many years, I know, as all our good and faithful priests know, that church legislation cannot address the many minute details of pastoral practice.”

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

An invitation by Bishop Glen John Provost for Catholics in the Diocese of Lake Charles to renew their faith is being embraced by several pastors.