Fete-Dieu Du Mississippi

The solemn flotilla will embark on the Mighty Mississippi for a one-time only Blessing of the River and the Great State of Lousiana! Families, businesses and churches are encouraged to “come down to the river” and participate in the two-day blessing. The extraordinary procession will begin on Wednesday, August 14 at 8 am with a Votive Mass of the Holy Eucharist by Baton Rouge Bishop Michael Duca. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Baton Rouge. Following the Mass there will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the Mississippi River where the 130-mile procession and blessing will commence. At 10:30 AM the flotilla will depart. The boat procession will pass Plaquemine at about 12:35 PM and Donaldsonville at approximately 3:50 PM.  The flotilla is slated to arrive at Convent, LA at about 5:40 PM where there will be a procession to the historic St. Michael Church for all-night adoration. On Thursday, August 15 at 8:45 AM there will be a procession from St. Michael’s back to the river dock and at 10:00 AM the boats will depart for New Orleans. The procession will pass Reserve at about 12:00 PM, Luling at about 1:40 PM, and Audubon Park at about 3:40 PM.  Families, parishes, and pilgrims are encouraged to gather at these revival sites along the river for prayer and reception of the blessing. The flotilla will arrive at about 4:25 PM in the French Quarter and there will be a Great Benediction on the levee at 5:15 PM in front of Jackson Square, followed by a procession into St. Louis Cathedral for a final blessing and a Solemn Mass of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Archbishop Gregory Aymond, D.D. The 2-day festivities will conclude with a celebration in Jackson Square at 7:30 PM. All are encouraged to “Come Down to the River” for this historic event! Register for the all-night vigil and find more information at www.fetedieuduteche.org or email us at [email protected] Companies wishing to register boats should contact Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC at [email protected]