All Saints Day tradition treasured locally

It might be difficult for people who do not have family ties to this small town to understand the importance and significance of the combined custom of lighting and blessing of graves on All Saints Day.

This treasured custom all started during the 1800s after Father Adrien Emmanuel Rouquette observed the Choctaw Indians lighting the graves of their ancestors. Knowing the Catholic Church already had combined the two customs, in South America and in Rome, he followed suit and combined them in Lacombe.

The tradition has been carried on through the years by the Catholic priests who followed Rouquette, and by four and five generations of ancestors. There are such strong family ties in the Lacombe area that even family members who now live in other states return to Louisiana every year just for this special occasion.

This year, nine cemeteries were lit up with about a dozen candles surrounding each grave. After all the flowers and candles were in place, a priest performed the blessing. Guests always stay for a while observing the beautiful and amazing sight of all the flickering bits of light from all the graves.

It is a time to remember, honor and reconnect, if only in spirit, with loved ones who have passed on.

Many people of Lacombe believe that the amazing glow of the flickering lights from the graves throughout Lacombe are proudly seen from heaven above by their ancestors and Father Rouquette.

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The Lacombe Senior Center held a Halloween party Oct. 28, with witches, ghosts and goblins everywhere. There were games to be played, and an assortment of delicious party food enjoyed by all.

Winners of the costume contest were Camille Voss, first place; Zita Cuppay, second place; and Ruby Bozes, third place.

For information on this or other activities held at the Lacombe Senior Center, sponsored by COAST, call site manager Linda Adams at 985.882.7717.

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