A group from Lafayette helped to save items from churches in Grand Chenier and Cameron that received significant damage from Hurricane Laura.
The group from St. Thomas More High High School in Lafayette spent their Saturday helping communities in Vermilion and Cameron Parishes as they continue to recover. The group, a collection of fathers and sons stopped in Grand Chenier to help the neighbors and the nearby church of St. Eugene.
Lance Strother who is Director of Campus Ministry at St. Thomas More High School shared images and video of the work being done.
St. Eugene Church was filled with debris and mud from the storm surge brought in by Hurricane Laura. Pews pushed towards the altar were crowded by marsh grasses that had made their way inside. Some of the Catholic church's artwork was spared from damage, including several statues and paintings.
In Cameron, the group was asked to save a large crucifix at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic church.
"We were asked if we could help preserve an Italian-made crucifix among other things. I think this image will forever be burnt in my memory," Strother said.
Video captured by Strother shows the group hauling the crucifix out of the church and to a safer location.
It is unclear what will become of the figures and crucifix or if the church will be able to be repaired.
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