150th Anniversary of the
Apparition and Miracle of St. John Berchmans
We welcomed thousands to celebrate the holy and monumental occasion, the 150th Anniversary of the Apparition and Miracle of St. John Berchmans. On December 7, the holy heart of St. John Berchmans made its journey from Belgium to Shreveport, Louisiana. In the twelve days that followed, we celebrated with pilgrims from all over the world the life of this pure and holy saint.
Thank you to all who joined us for the liturgies, guest speakers, veneration, exhibit of relics and memorabilia and more!
Our Lord has spoken to our hearts and they are on fire: lives recommitted, the straight and narrow found again, virtues requested, and even miracles sought. In the words of Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien on Sunday, December 18, “… let our prayers be that of the psalmist: ‘Enlarge my heart that you may enter.’ St. John Berchmans, treasured patron, pray for us.”
News Releases
In December, 2016, his heart — in its container for holy relics — was brought to the Cathedral for the 150th anniversary of a miracle that ties St. John Berchmans to Louisiana.
View local media press releases covering the story of St. John Berchmans and his 400-year-old preserved heart relic which left its home in Belgium for the first time in 395 years.
KTBS 3 Article
SHV Times Article
Lafayette Article
Videos
About Our Cathedral & The Life of St. John Berchmans
The Cathedral Parish strives for a liturgical life that transforms us into a community of evangelization, glorifying the Lord by our lives.
The Heart of St. John Berchmans Press Conference
Father Peter Mangum informs the media and the local community of the significance and the magnitude of this blessed occasion… The arrival of the Heart of St. John Berchmans.
Entrance of the Heart of St. John Berchmans
The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans is introduced to the relic heart by Father Peter Mangum.
Heart of St. John Berchmans Mass
Watch the full mass for the Heart of St. John Berchman given at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.