Pray with me for a moment. We stand before Saint Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church. This isn’t just a building. It is a center of faith and community.
Saint Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church has a rich history. It reflects the dedication of its parishioners. The story begins long ago.
In 1842, Pere Antoine Desire Megret established Saint Mary Magdalen Parish. He started it in Abbeville Louisiana. The first church was a remodeled home. Joseph LeBlanc owned that home. They dedicated it in spring 1844. From the beginning, it honored Saint Mary Magdalen. She was a favorite saint of Acadian exiles.
Reverend Nicholas Francais took charge in September 1847. But Pere Megret continued to care for Abbeville Catholics. Father Francais served until after September 1850.
Archbishop Blanc made Vermilion Parish independent in 1851. Saint Mary Magdalen’s Church became the parish church. Reverend Hubert Thirion became the first resident pastor. Reverend Francis Mittlebronn joined him. He was the first parish assistant. They stayed until after October 12 1852.
Reverend J. Regale was sent to take charge in February 1853. He left later that year. Reverend Stephen Joseph Foltier became the new pastor. He was a French priest.
A rectory fire destroyed church records in February 1854. Current records start on February 20 1854. Parishioners tried to reconstruct baptism records. Marriage records were completely lost.
Father Foltier left in September 1856. Reverend Jean Arthur Poyet succeeded him. He visited every corner of the parish. Parishioners bid him farewell in January 1866.
Reverend Theodore Lamy became the new pastor. He was another energetic French priest. In December 1868, Alexandre Mehault became his assistant. He eventually became an outstanding pastor.
Father Mehault became pastor in May 1870. He built a new rectory and added a new bell. He improved the church. He obtained vestments and sacred vessels from France. Saint Mary Magdalen’s church became a place of beauty. Ceremonies glorified God. New stained-glass windows were added. A set of hand-painted Stations of the Cross were obtained. People of Vermilion Parish donated many items. Father Mehault brought Catholic education to the parish. He persuaded the Sisters of Mount Carmel to staff a school.
The original structure was too small. A new Saint Mary Magdalen Church was needed. It was solemnly blessed on May 28 1884.
St. Mary Magdalen’s Parish incorporated in May 1896. It became “The Congregation of St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church.” The archdiocese transferred all property to the parish corporation.
Reverend Fabian Laforest succeeded Father Mehault in July 1899. He was artistic and scholarly. In 1904, he installed a new organ. He enlarged the rectory. In 1905, he arranged for a new cemetery. He installed new pews.
On March 22 1907, the church was destroyed by fire. The presbytery also burned. Parishioners recorded lost baptisms. Father Laforest erected a temporary church. It was blessed as St. Ann’s. The new Saint Mary Magdalen Church was completed in 1911.
Father Laforest died on August 26 1915. Reverend Julien Ravier Bollard became pastor. He was devoted to his flock. The Diocese of Lafayette was formed. Saint Mary Magdalen Parish was part of it.
Reverend Edmund Daull became pastor on June 20 1930. He made many improvements. Reverend Joseph Verbis Lafleur assisted him. Father Lafleur died as a prisoner during World War II.
Monsignor Paul Fusilier became pastor on January 16 1950. He built a new Catholic school building. He repaired the church and rectory. He installed a new cross on the spire.
Bishop Robert E. Tracy became pastor. He restored the rectory. He built a catechetical center. He improved the church’s exterior. He developed an adult religious education program.
Monsignor Ignatius A. Martin assumed the pastorate in January 1960. He introduced new ministries. He constructed a music room and classroom. He added a mausoleum and a new high school.
Monsignor Richard von Phul Mouton became pastor in November 1973. He improved ministry to the elderly. He renovated the sacristy into Holy Parents Chapel. A fire damaged the sacristy in 1981. Repairs took place in 1981–82.
Today Saint Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church continues to serve. It offers confession every Wednesday. Reconciliation Service occurs every Wednesday too. The parish has a long history. It has seen fires, new constructions, and dedicated leaders. It remains a beacon of faith.