HONORING CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS

On 2026-10-13, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS" in the House.

HONORING CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1069] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans of Shreveport, Louisiana, one of the city's historic religious institutions and an enduring center of Catholic faith, education, worship, and community service. Established in 1902, the parish traces its beginnings to Jesuit priests who came to serve the growing Catholic population of Shreveport. In the more than 120 years since, Saint John Berchmans has grown from a local parish and school into the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport. The parish was founded during a period of significant growth in Shreveport, as new families made the city their home and the need for institutions of worship, education, and community life grew. The Jesuit priests responded by establishing a parish where families could gather for Mass, receive the sacraments, educate their children in the Catholic tradition, and build fellowship. The original parish included both a church and a school on Texas Avenue, and from its earliest years the close relationship between worship and education has been a defining characteristic of Saint John Berchmans. As Shreveport developed, so did the parish, and increasing membership created the need for a larger and more permanent church. In 1927, the cornerstone of the present church was laid, and the building was completed and consecrated in 1929. It stands as a testament to the faith, planning, generosity, and sacrifice of the parishioners and church leaders who envisioned a permanent spiritual home for generations of Catholics. Its historic design, sacred artwork, stained glass, and religious symbols reflect the rich heritage of the Catholic faith and serve as a visible reminder of the clergy, parishioners, families, and educators who have built and preserved this community. For generations, Saint John Berchmans has been a spiritual home where Catholics have celebrated baptisms, First Communions, confirmations, marriages, ordinations, anniversaries, funerals, and other milestones of faith and family life, binding the Cathedral to the personal histories of countless families throughout Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana. Its ministry has also extended beyond worship through charitable outreach, religious education, pastoral care, family ministries, and service initiatives that address both the spiritual and practical needs of individuals and families. In keeping with the Catholic tradition, education and faith formation have helped prepare young people to become responsible members of their churches, families, professions, and communities. A major milestone came in 1986 with the establishment of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport, when Saint John Berchmans was elevated to the status of cathedral. As the cathedral church of the diocese, it became the spiritual seat of the Catholic Church in Northwest Louisiana and a central gathering place for major diocesan celebrations, liturgies, ordinations, and ceremonies. This role extended the Cathedral's reach beyond its own parish and made it a spiritual home for Catholics from communities throughout the region. The Cathedral has been strengthened throughout its history by generations of priests, deacons, religious educators, teachers, parish staff, ministry leaders, musicians, volunteers, families, and parishioners. Through decades of change in Shreveport, in times of prosperity and uncertainty, celebration and hardship, it has remained a consistent spiritual presence where individuals can seek prayer, guidance, fellowship, and a deeper relationship with God. Today, the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans continues its historic mission under the leadership of Reverend Raney Johnson, Rector. It remains committed to reverent worship, Catholic education, faith formation, pastoral care, community outreach, and service, while fulfilling its responsibility as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Shreveport. It is both a treasured historic landmark and a living community of faith, welcoming parishioners, visitors, students, families, clergy, and members of the wider community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans and its parish family for more than 120 years of faith, education, and service to the people of Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana. May the Cathedral continue to honor the vision of those who established the parish in 1902 and serve generations yet to come. ____________________