KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PARADE OF 1946
The Knights of Columbus Parade held in Opelousas on May 5, 1946, was organized to honor Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur, a native of St. Landry Parish, Catholic priest, Knight of Columbus, and U.S. Army chaplain who gave his life while serving fellow prisoners of war during World War II. The parade began at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse and proceeded to St. Landry Catholic Church, where a special memorial Mass was celebrated in his honor. Coming less than a year after the end of World War II, the event symbolized the community’s gratitude for the sacrifices of its servicemen and women while celebrating the values of faith, patriotism, and public service that Father Lafleur embodied. The parade became one of the most significant postwar civic events in St. Landry Parish, strengthening local pride and preserving the legacy of one of the parish’s most distinguished heroes.
Among the organizations participating in the parade was the first Boy Scout troop of Opelousas, originally established in 1914 through the efforts of Rev. C. B. Tomb, with Dr. A. J. Perrault serving as its first Scoutmaster. The troop welcomed boys of all religious backgrounds and quickly became an important part of community life through civic projects, parades, and public service. Their participation in the 1946 Knights of Columbus parade reflected the Scout ideals of citizenship, leadership, and service while honoring Father Lafleur’s example of courage and selflessness. The Scouts’ presence also highlighted the long-standing tradition of youth involvement in civic life, making the parade a meaningful link between St. Landry Parish’s history, its community organizations, and future generations.
(Photo donated by Carola Lillie Hartley as part of the Carola Lillie Hartley Collection)
