The Blessing of the Walkway at The Saint Charles Center.
(April 25, 1998)

Bishop Speyrer:

(Prior to the procession to the gates of the walkway.)
"Let us pray.
O God, you are never far off from those who serve you; with fatherly protection you always guard those who trust in you. By your grace be the guide and companion going with those who use this walk through nature and sustain them on their way.
By your favor protect us all so that at life's end we may safely arrive at our destination and accomplish what your divine will wishes that we do.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

(At the gates.)
"Go within his gates giving thanks, enter his courts with songs of praise."

(At the riverside pavilion, shown below, the bishop concluded.)
"May the Lord be the guide on your journeys, so that you may walk in peace and reach eternal life. Amen.
And may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

In this black and white picture, Bishop Speyrer is with Mr.A.J.M. Oustalet, Jr, whose family made a significant contribution to the building of the Nature Walk. This sketch (right below) of the pavilion on the Calcasieu River and the one of the entrance (left below) were done by Notre Dame seminarian Hodson Solis.) It is felt the use of black and white photographs would complement the black and white sketches; whereas color may detract from his pen'n'inks! (Incidentally, framed originals of Solis' sketches were presented to the Oustalet family at the Blessing.)