Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas is commemorating Ash Wednesday, Lent, and two local anniversaries with a Bible marathon reading.
The reading started on Ash Wednesday and will last five days.
In celebration of the tricentennial of Opelousas and the centennial of the church, the event honors the role faith has played in Acadian history and culture.
Retired Bishop Michael Jarrell kicked off the event on Wednesday.
On Saturday, the church will welcome Governor John Bel Edwards, who is scheduled to read from the Bible at 8:30 a.m.
"I'm truly honored to be included in this faith filled event celebrating the 300th anniversary of the beautiful city of Opelousas and the 100th birthday of the Holy Ghost Church that means so much to this community and has been at the center of the culture and history of Acadiana," said Gov. Edwards.
Also reading will be Bishop Douglas Deshotel with the Diocese of Lafayette, Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor, Zydeco musician Geno Delafose, and Attorney General Jeff Landry, among others.
The public is invited to attend the reading, which should take around 100 hours.
In 2019, the event drew over 3,000 people over the course of five days.
Holy Ghost Catholic Church is located at 747 N. Union St. The reading is expected to conclude Sunday, March 1, at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the church's website at www.hgcatholic.org. You can also follow the Fete-Dieu du Teche's Facebook page here.
