St. Anthony of Padua celebrates 60 years as a church parish

Nearly 200 people gathered Saturday after mass to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Luling’s St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

Parishioners Susi Zeringue and Angie Schexnayder were involved in the planning of the celebration.

“When we first started talking about the anniversary, we thought about doing a new church directory,” Zeringue said. “From there we decided to make a big celebration.”

Schexnayder said a celebration felt appropriate since so much has changed in the church during the last decade.

“It’s been about six years since Father Anthony (Odiong) because our father and priest,” she said. “Since he’s been here so much has changed … there’s been explosive church growth and we as a church have added so many ministries.”

Schexnayder said many young families have recently joined and grown the church.

“There’s so much Father Anthony has done to make this parish blossom,” she said. “So many people are coming back to the church … it’s a joyful thing to celebrate.”

Kelly Bourgeois, a local artist and parishioner who also helped to plan the anniversary party, said that at the celebration attendees shared stories about their memories of the church.

“There was also a short documentary that was played … that fellow parishioner Logan Lirette created,” she said. “It was a series of interviews from older church parishioners sharing memories from our church. The evening was followed with fellowship and dancing. Everyone had a wonderful time.”

Many photos and artifacts were on display at the celebration, including a series of paintings Bourgeois created that depict the three buildings St. Anthony has had over the years. Three cakes, each displaying Bourgeois’ artwork of the buildings, were centerpieces of the church’s celebration.