Bishop Robert Marshall celebrated Mass at Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Bunkie for Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 5. In solemn ceremonies, the bishop consecrated the church’s Carrara marble altar and new tabernacle, and rededicated the structure following an extensive seven-month renovation. The improvements were completed in anticipation of an upcoming centennial celebration of the church. …

Bishop Robert Marshall celebrated Mass at Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Bunkie for Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 5. In solemn ceremonies, the bishop consecrated the church’s Carrara marble altar and new tabernacle, and rededicated the structure following an extensive seven-month renovation. The improvements were completed in anticipation of an upcoming centennial celebration of the church.

In his homily, Bishop Marshall highlighted the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented by the Magi to the Christ Child. He explained that the Sacred Chrism applied to the top of the altar during the ceremonies contained fragrances including myrrh; that pure frankincense would be burned in the brasier placed on the altar, and that the new gold tabernacle reflected the congregation’s gift to Christ present in the Holy Eucharist.

The marble altar, though never consecrated, was installed in 1965 following the Second Vatican Council. With renovations and new marble flooring throughout the sanctuary, the altar was removed, polished, and relocated directly in front of the newly designed reredos and tabernacle.

The new tabernacle is the focal point of the church and was manufactured by Molina Quality Silversmiths of Madrid. The company is famous for manufacturing of fine ecclesiastical art. It is designed in the “Baroque” style. Artisans first designed pencil drawings of the details of the piece. Silversmiths executed its creation by hand, giving shape to the metals used to create the sacred chest. The process of chiseling, embossing, hand engraving, and fire enameling the various designs of the exterior was a five month process. The parapet of the tabernacle features an embossed dome surmounted by the cross; the corners feature four statues of the Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

A new reredos in classic Romanesque style was designed by Avoyelles architect, Wayne Coco. The reredos rises in the rear-center of the sanctuary to cradle a large window of Saint Anthony in Adoration of the Christ. This window was the first stained-glass installed in the church and was present when the church was dedicated in 1926. Restoration of this treasure was completed in 2024 by the Emil Frei Studios of St. Louis, Missouri. The company determined that the window is an original creation of Emil Frei who immigrated from Germany to establish this leading art glass company in America. Of note, Frei Studios have verified several additional Frei windows in the church.

Monsignor Scott Chemino, pastor, explained that there are several additional furnishings for the church to be installed. These include specialized lighting for the sanctuary, baptistry, and vestibule. Murals are also being created for spaces above the doors of the transept. They will depict miracles of Saint Anthony and will be installed in Spring 2025. Woven rugs are being designed and are set for installation in Summer 2025. Monsignor expressed compliments to every business involved in the renovation, but stressed heartfelt gratitude for the leadership of M.D. Descant, LLC, general contractors. “Our entire project has been blessed from beginning to end,” he said.
Saint Anthony has recently received the distinction of being listed on the United States Department of Interior National Register of Historic Places. Ceremonies for this event are forthcoming.

In closing comments at the Mass, Bishop Marshall announced that Saint Anthony is among several churches of the diocese that are designated Jubilee Year 2025 Pilgrimage Churches. This will bring spiritual pilgrims throughout the year to this truly beautiful church. A welcome banner and pilgrimage information, passports, and guest register await all who visit. Special tours may be arranged by calling the church office: 318-346-7274 or emailing: saintanthonybunkie@outlook.com