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Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
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By Jeannie Petrus, Editor of Church Today
 Before a capacity-filled church and others viewing from a nearby remote site, Rev. Scott Chemino, Vicar General for the Diocese of Alexandria read the apostolic decree from His Holiness Benedict XVI proclaiming Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches, Louisiana, a Minor Basilica.
The only other basilica in the state is St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.
The dedication Mass of Immaculate Conception as a Minor Basilica on Jan. 10, kicked off the 100th anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Alexandria.
The Most Reverend Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria was the principal celebrant of the Mass. The Most Reverend Greg Aymond, archbishop of New Orleans was the homilist.
Concelebrants included the Most Rev. Michael Duca, Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport; the Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, Bishop of Lafayette; the Most Rev. Alfred Hughes, retired Archbishop of New Orleans; and Most Rev. Dominic Carmen, retired Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans.
The celebration began with a procession outside that included descendants of Native American Indians, French and Spanish ensigs, the Knights of Columbus, altar servers, the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher, and representatives of every church parish and their pastor carrying a 100th anniversary candle.
As each pastor and lay representative entered the church, their candle was lit from a 4-foot anniversary candle.
Once inside the church, the combined choirs of Immaculate Conception, under the direction of Wada St. Andre, provided the beautiful music for the Mass. Also assisting were Roxanne Lane as organist and Bill Brent as the cantor.
In his homily, Archbishop Aymond compared the challenge of evangelizing the Indians in 1628 to the challenge of evangelization today.
“We all face the same challenges today to live out our faith and proclaim the good news to others, just as our ancestors did centuries ago,” said Archbishop Aymond.
In conclusion, he congratulated the people on the honor of being named a basilica.
“A magnificent honor and apostolic blessing as been bestowed on this parish and diocese by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI,” he said. “Besides St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, this is the only other Minor Basilica in the state.”
The entire Mass was broadcast through a live video feed to large sceens in the Natchitoches Events Center, where more than 250 people were able to participate in the Mass. After the consecration, native priests of the parish Rev. Craig Scott and Rev. John Cunningham carried the consecrated hosts to the Events Center where they distributed to the participants there.
Following the Mass, a reception was held at the Natchitoches Events Center.
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