Welcome! Thank you for visiting us at Saint Bernadette Church, which is a Roman Catholic parish located in Bayou Vista - between Patterson and Berwick, Louisiana, in the Diocese of Lafayette .   St. Bernadette Church continues the Sacramental Traditions of Jesus Christ as handed down by the Apostles, we strive to live lives of Communion and Participation as we seek to fulfill the mission bestowed upon us by Christ. Our Pastor is Father Thainese Alphonse.

The Liturgy of the Word for the Fifth Sunday Of Easter 

Today's Gospel again comes from the Gospel of John. Like last week, today we hear words spoken by Jesus before his death and Resurrection. Jesus is teaching at the Last Supper. Today's Gospel begins with the announcement that this is the moment when the Son of Man will be glorified. Jesus will be glorified in his death on the cross and in his Resurrection, and the disciples will glorify Jesus in the love they show.

   John's Gospel does not present a sentimental view of love. This is a type of love that is shown in service and sacrifice. It is difficult to choose to love when faced with hatred and anger. Jesus tells the disciples that all will know that they are his disciples because of the love they show for one another. This description of the early Christian community will be repeated in the Acts of the Apostles: "See how they love one another." Christian love is the hallmark of Christianity. We see it lived in the witness of the martyrs. We see it in the example of the lives of the saints. We see it in the holy women and men who live and love daily, making small and large sacrifices for others.

Pope Leo XIV

    Although he was pope from the moment he accepted his election May 8, the inauguration Mass - which replaced the papal coronation after the pontificate of St. Paul VI - formally marks the beginning of his ministry with his reception of the fisherman's ring and his pallium, a wool band worn around his shoulders. The inaugural Mass for the Beginning of Pontificate will be held at 10 am in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18th. This Mass will be the formal installation ceremony where Pope Leo XIV will receive the fisherman's ring and the pallium as symbols of his papal office.

The Inauguration Mass

    The theological significance of the inauguration Mass lies in its public witness to the pope's role as Vicar of Christ. The rite is not a sacrament - since the pope is already a bishop - but a liturgical celebration that includes the conferral of the pallium and the profession of faith. The pallium, a woolen band placed on the shoulders of the pope (and later archbishops), symbolizes the yoke of Christ and the pastoral care of the flock entrusted to him. Its use dates to the fourth century and was gradually incorporated into papal ceremonies by the early Middle Ages. Unlike a coronation - which emphasized temporal kingship and was last used by Pope Paul VI in 1963 - the modern inauguration emphasizes service, mission, and the pastoral office. Paul VI's renunciation of the papal tiara during the Second Vatican Council marked a definitive theological shift, reemphasizing the pope's role as the "Servant of the Servants of God."
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The Name Leo

    There is a common thread that ties together the legacy of all the popes who have taken the name Leo - a thread that weaves through the centuries and culminates now in Pope Leo XIV. From Leo the Great to Leo XIII, the name "Leo" has consistently signified a pontificate marked by courageous clarity, doctrinal integrity, and a deep pastoral concern for both the Church and the broader world. Leo the Great defended the truths of Christ's divinity and humanity with theological brilliance while protecting the city of Rome from physical devastation. Leo II emphasized sound doctrine and liturgical reform. Leo III crowned Charlemagne, signaling the intertwining of Church and culture. Leo X, though controversial, presided over the Church at a time of immense artistic and intellectual flourishing. Leo XIII, in turn, confronted the upheavals of modernity with calm resolve, grounding the Church's engagement with the world in both reason and Revelation. Together, these popes named Leo represent a legacy of steadfast leadership in times of crisis, vision in times of change, and a consistent call for the Church to be both guardian of the truth and servant of humanity. In choosing this name, Pope Leo XIV enters a lineage defined not by political power or personal ambition, but by a courageous fidelity to the faith and an enduring hope in the renewal of the Church for every age .
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Why is the pope's ring called the "Fisherman's Ring" and what is its secret?

    The "Ring of the Fisherman" is an essential attribute of papal vestments, no less important than the tiara. It is not passed from one pontiff to another, but is made for each pope individually. What secrets does this symbol of the papacy hide, and why is it called the "Ring of the Fisherman" and not otherwise?

    The head of the Catholic Church is considered the heir of the Apostle Peter, one of the most faithful disciples of Christ. Before baptism, he was a simple fisherman, and the name of this profession began to be applied to him later as a metaphor. In Christianity, the apostle is considered the "catcher of human souls", who gathers sinners and instructs them on the true path.

    As a follower of Peter, the Pope of Rome also catches human souls, preventing them from wallowing in the abomination of sins. That is why the papal ring was called the "Ring of the Fisherman". It is decorated with the image of the cross and the Apostle Peter casting a net into the sea. But at the same time, the ring of each pope is unique. It is made for the new pontiff and decorated with initials.

    Until 1842, the papal ring with his name served as a seal to certify letters and important documents. The "Ring of the Fisherman" was made of pure gold, and the dean of the College of Cardinals presents it to the elected pope during the coronation ceremony. At the same time, the head of the Catholic Church should reverently fall with his lips to the relic, as a sign of humility and respect for the great mission of the successor to the work of the Apostle Peter.

    After the death or abdication of the pope, his ring is destroyed. Previously, this was done to prevent cardinals from forging seals on documents. Nowadays, when papers are no longer sealed with a ring, this is just an important tradition. The custom of destroying the ring, and then making it again, served as a reason to call it the "phoenix ring".
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Bible Quiz #46 - The Book of Exodus (Chapters 26 - 31) ANSWERS

1. What was kept in the holy of holies behind the veil? - The ark of the commandments (26:33).
2. What was the duty entrusted to Aaron and his sons? - They were asked to keep lamps burning regularly (27:20, 21).
3. What are the priestly vestments? - A breast piece, an ephod, a robe, a brocaded tunic, a miter, and a sash (28:4).
4. What was kept on the shoulder of Aron? - Memorial stones of the sons of Israel as a reminder before the Lord (28:12).
5. When was the altar made sacred? - After consecrating it for seven days (29:37).
6. What was the purpose of the census the Israelites took? - To pay a forfeit for one's life so no plague may come upon them (30:12).
7. How much is a registered person to give to the Lord as forfeit? - A half-shekel (30:13).
8. Who was expected to pay the forfeit to the Lord? - Twenty years or more who entered the registered group (30:14).
9. Why was the Sabbath to be kept something sacred? - Because the Lord wants us to be holy (31:14).
10. Who inscribed the tablets of the commandments? - God's own finger (31:18).

We thank and appreciate the following participants:
    Juanita Bienvenu, Roland & Judy Brannon, Rose Robinson, MC Hebert, Susan Legendre, Alberta LeBlanc, Michelle Tholen, Theresa Babin, Barry Clark, Lois Bosworth, Julia Hepler, Catherine Cali, Fran Rachal, Kenny Zimmer, Geneva Alcina, Carolyn Ackman, Jenny & Joe Guillot, Brenda Nelson, Debbie Hannegan, Melinda Frederick, Cindy & Sammy Viola, Christina Wallace, Kathleen Louviere, Daisy Roberts.

What Is the Jubilee?

    "Jubilee" is the name given to a particular year and comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram's horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement. This Jewish holiday occurs every year, but it takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years, since this would be an "extra" year, one which would happen every seven weeks of seven years, i.e., every 49 years (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). Even though it wasn't easy to organize, it was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. It involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields.

    Quoting the prophet Isaiah, the Gospel of Luke describes Jesus' mission in this way: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord," (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus lives out these words in his daily life, in his encounters with others and in his relationships, all of which bring about liberation and conversion.

    In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the first Jubilee, also known as a "Holy Year," since it is a time in which God's holiness transforms us. The frequency of Holy Years has changed over time: at first, they were celebrated every 100 years; later, in 1343 Pope Clement VI reduced the gap between Jubilees to every 50 years, and in 1470 Pope Paul II made it every 25 years. There have also been "extraordinary" Holy Years: for example, in 1933 Pope Pius XI chose to commemorate the 1900^th anniversary of the Redemption, and in 2015 Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of Mercy as an extraordinary jubilee. The way in which Jubilee Years are marked has also changed through the centuries: originally the Holy Year consisted of a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, later other signs were added, such as the Holy Door. By participating in the Holy Year, one is granted a plenary indulgence.

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, oh Maria. Hail, mother of mercy and of love, oh Maria. Triumph all ye cherubim, Sing with us ye seraphim. Heaven and earth resound the hymn. Salve, Salve, Salve Regina. The beautiful tradition of May Crowning reflects the beauty of the 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary which it evokes. Honoring Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, honors her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ Who first crowned her as His Queen. Adorning Our Lady with a crown of flowers is a custom of great devotion to Our Holy Mother and recalls the beauty of her love for us during difficult times in the world.   Our Lady always guides as a loving Mother. Her Immaculate Heart and her maternal beauty will always triumph over the ugliness of sin and suffering. As we crown the Blessed Virgin on Mother's Day, we ask that she intercede for us to her Son.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. Read more...

Sharing in the Blessedness of Christ

Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for everyone because, rather than a human effort, it is first and foremost a gift of God, thrice holy. The Apostle John remarks: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. It is God, therefore, who loved us first and make us his adoptive sons in Jesus. Everything in our lives is a gift of his love: how can we be indifferent before such a great mystery? How can we not respond to the heavenly Father's love by living as grateful children? In Christ, he gave us the gift of his entire self and calls us to a personal and profound relationship with him. Consequently, the more we imitate Jesus and remain united to him the more we enter into the mystery of his divine holiness. We discover that he loves us infinitely, and this prompts us in turn to love our brethren. Loving always entails an act of self-denial, "losing ourselves," and it is precisely this that makes us happy….

  In truth, the blessed par excellence is only Jesus. He is, in fact, the true poor in spirit, the one afflicted, the meek one, the one hungering and thirsting for justice, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemaker. He is the one persecuted for the sake of justice. The Beatitudes show us  the spiritual features of Jesus and thus express his mystery, the mystery of his death and Resurrection, of his Passion and the joy of his Resurrection. This mystery, which is the mystery of true blessedness, invites us to follow Jesus  and thus to walk toward it. To the extent that we accept his proposal and set out to follow him—each one in his own circumstances—we too can participate in his blessedness. With him, the impossible becomes possible and even a camel can pass through the eye of a needle; with his help, only with his help can we become perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.

  Pope Benedict XVI
  2005—2013

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The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:1-12

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

One of the greatest graces for our parish is Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel.

To quote Pope John Paul II; "We come here to meet the Heart of Jesus pierced for us, from which water and blood gush. It is the redeeming love, which is at the origin of salvation, of our salvation, which is at the origin of the Church. Now still today, the living Christ loves us and presents His Heart to us as the source of our redemption… We are called not only to meditate and contemplate on this mystery of Christ's love; we are called to take part in it. It is the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, the center of our Faith, the center of our worship of Christ's merciful love manifested in His Sacred Heart, a mystery which is adored here night and day. In the Eucharist – this is also the meaning of perpetual adoration – we enter the movement of love from which all interior progress and all apostolate efficacy springs."

Mother Teresa taught "When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now."

If you would like to participate in adoration please contact Becky Wiggins at the rectory for more information.
Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association

Examination of Conscience for Adults

This examination of conscience is not intended merely as a checklist to be used prior to confession. The purpose of this examination is to help souls to know what actions or attitudes are sinful and the gravity of the particular sin. The hope is that this knowledge will serve to keep people from committing these sins.

* Three things are necessary for a sin to be mortal: 1. Serious matter (things listed on this sheet); 2. Knowledge or firm belief that the act is seriously wrong prior to committing the act; 3. Full consent to the will.

All three of these conditions must be present simultaneously for a sin to be mortal. This means that if you did not know the act was seriously wrong, then you are not guilty of having committed a mortal sin. If you did not will the act, e.g., if you were forced or if it was in a dream, you are not guilty of having committed a mortal sin.

All mortal sins committed since your last confession must be confessed by both type and number, i.e., the title of the sin and how many times it was done. If there is a mortal sin from the past that was forgotten and has not been confessed, it should be confessed at your next confession. It is not necessary to confess venial sins, but it is a good and pious practice.

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Catholics Come Home

There's an old saying that goes, "Once a Catholic, always a Catholic." Maybe you have been away from the Church for a little while or quite some time, but somehow you now feel a tug at your heart calling you back home to the Catholic Church. That's why we're here.

Whether or not you know you want to return to the Catholic Church, we're here to help you take that second look. That mysterious pull inside you, driving you to look into your faith once more, comes directly from God. Your Heavenly Father is yearning for a relationship with you again, in the Church founded by Jesus 2000 years ago. He's waiting for you with open arms. 
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USCCB - Pro-Life Activities

Laws that permit or promote abortion, infanticide, human cloning, destructive embryo research or physician-assisted suicide ignore the sanctity of each human life and undermine the foundation of a just and healthy society. As citizens and people of faith, each of us should actively advance our convictions in the public square in every legitimate and ethical way. We should rededicate ourselves to upholding the sanctity of human life, and hold those elected to represent us to the same standard.
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Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics

This voter's guide helps you cast your vote in an informed manner consistent with Catholic moral teaching.

This voter's guide identifies five issues involving "non-negotiable" moral values in current politics and helps you narrow down the list of acceptable candidates, whether they are running for national, state, or local offices.
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