Small community, big Christmas spirit!

by Deacon Jason Lavergne, Office of Religious Education and Faith Formation

As the Red River traverses through the Diocese of Alexandria, within one of its many twists and turns lies the community of Brouillette, LA. This small community at the edge of Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge is a true gem of faith within our Diocese. Fr. Abraham Palakkattuchira, CMI, pastor of the small parish of St. Genevieve Catholic Church, is in the middle of what some may call hunters paradise. Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 17,500 acres of which contains its namesake lake, a 350 acre permanently flooded body of water.

This small parish of 71 registered families, located in a remote part of Avoyelles parish, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and its street lights, St. Genevieve Church and the community warmed the night air and lit up the night sky with its most recent event.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the parish and community came together and held a Christmas hayride. After assisting with the 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass and dressed for the crisp night air, my wife and I were honoroed to participate in the evening’s events. Tractors pulling trailers adorned with Christmas themed decorations and lights lit up the dark night sky as members of the parish and community rolled down the winding two-lane road. Even those, for whatever reason could not participate in the hayride, watched from inside their homes or along the roadside waving as the line of tractor-pulled trailers slowly made its way down the road.

Members of the community, literally and spiritually, opened their homes to all those in their community. Stopping at three different homes along the way, each home offered various servings of food. From a variety of chips and dips, to fresh fried cracklins and deer meat, fried fish, gumbo, and many other items, too many to mention, but that was not the end. The final and fourth stop was back at the church hall where we were able to enjoy homemade cakes, (pineapple was my favorite) homemade candies, hot chocolate, and coffee.

St Genevieve is a true witness to the Christmas spirit in our Diocese and especially the community of Brouillette. A spirit of oneness in a world where division surrounds us. A spirit of peace and expression of faith in the true gem of the season and in the coming of paradise, Christ.

A special thank you to Fr. Abraham and the community of Brouillette for your hospitality and witness of Christ.