From the Clarion Herald: The Resurrection of a parish destroyed by Katrina

Archbishop dedicates restored church whose pastor “lost his life caring for his flock” during Katrina

March 17, 2014 By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The New Orleans Clarion Herald:

 It took a long time, but the parishioners of St. Nicholas of Myra now have their church back.
On March 8, Archbishop Gregory Aymond dedicated the rebuilt church established in 1971 but shuttered since Hurricane Katrina’s waters wiped out everything but the steel beam frame, concrete slab and metal roof supported by 2-by-6 tongue-and-groove beams.
“I feel like I’m going to burst I’m so excited,” said parishioner Linda Giroir, who with husband Gene were recognized during the Mass with a plaque for helping spearhead the rebuilding along with parishioner Hill Wegener.
“Until 2010, there was nothing out here,” Gene Giroir said, mentioning how the entire area was devastated and residents were slow to return. “There was nothing left, but the church stayed.”
Archbishop Aymond welcomed back and blessed a standing-room-only crowd at St. Nicholas. He joked how the last time he was invited there, he celebrated Mass in a bar before the church was built. It was the only time in his 38-year priesthood he had done that.
He called the day an important and historic day in the life of this parish to celebrate and to lovingly remember their former pastor of 29 years, Father Arthur “Red” Ginart, who “gave his life and literally lost his life caring for this flock” by staying inside the church in August 2005 during the “unwelcomed guest called Katrina that came and wouldn’t leave.”
“Many lives have changed,” Archbishop Aymond said, and “since that time, it’s been a time of challenge, but more importantly a time of rebuilding. Katrina took a lot from you and certainly took your pastor. But, Katrina did not take away your faith, your perseverance, your courage to rebuild or your faith in God.”
Archbishop Aymond said it was the faith of people’s hearts, their perseverance, determination, generosity and hard work that made the church’s reopening possible.
“I thank God for you, for your vision and your generosity,” he said.

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