About 100 members of the city’s faith community took to the courthouse lawn last Thursday to take part in the National Day of Prayer celebration.
Mayor Melinda Mitchell, acting as master of ceremonies, first introduced Parish President Chester Cedars who delivered a welcoming speech. A flag-raising ceremony was then performed by members of Boy Scout Troop 174.
Highlighting an afternoon of devotional messages and prayers was a program of inspirational and patriotic music provided by Frank Randazzo and the Mallalieu United Methodist Church Choir.
Clergy members delivered messages focussing on the themes of community cohesion and reliance on divine guidance as the connective force between all races and faiths.
Pastor Gabe Smith, of Our savior’s Church in Broussard, said, “We all ask: Why are we so divided? Why are we cursed?” and suggested “What we must ask ourselves is: What does God bless? He blesses unity.”
Author and minister Lucinda Marie Davis posited, “Unity requires sacrifice, humility and the perspective of ‘you over me’, rather than separating ourselves into competing groups.” City council member Mike Fuselier said that society is losing the values that were important to past generations of Americans. “Government can’t save us,” he said, “Obama can’t save us. Trump can’t save us. Only God can save us.”
Finally, Mary Patout delivered an inspiring closing prayer at sundown.
