Sisters Now Reside At Valentin
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The Opelousas religious community was introduced at Valentin Hall on Saturday to the Sister Servants Of Jesus Crucified, whose mission locally includes launching area outreach initiatives sanctioned by the Diocese of Lafayette.
Several members of the religious order greeted about 25 visitors that were provided a glimpse of their newly-renovated residence adjacent to St. Landry Catholic Church off Prudhomme Lane.
St. Landry Church pastor Neil Petitt said locating another religious order is a welcomed religious augmentation for the community.
Those touring Valentin Hall were provided opportunities to view the living quarters prepared for a maximum of nine sisters, whose area religious headquarters are located in St. Martinville.
At this point Valentin Hall is considered a mission house that will be staffed regularly with at least two nuns.
During the next several weeks, according to Sister Superior Marie-Therese, the nuns will begin settling into a more permanent residency at Valentin Hall, completed in 1951.
Valentin Hall was built originally to accommodate the Marianite Sisters of The Holy Cross, who taught at The Academy Of The Immaculate Conception, now Opelousas Catholic for about 50 years, until 1983.
While in Opelousas, the sisters will conduct student retreats and interact with religious support for the local community, according to Sister Marie Therese.
Their vocational assistance will include nursing homes, non-teaching duties at OCS, providing women’s services and instituting other resources approved by the Diocese, Marie Therese said.
Sister Giuliana, who serves as the vocation director for the order, said the Sisters are still canvassing the Opelousas-area, discerning what is eventually needed for spiritual guidance. The sisters are also planning to help with overseeing the Valentin Hall adoration chapel, Giuliana said
Living quarters for the nuns are located on the second floor.
Each small dormitory style room includes a single bed, nightstand and a chair.
On display alongside the bedrooms was a second-floor common area, where the visitors viewed photos of the sisters and artifacts that documented their daily activities.
