Saint Landry

Saint Landry sculpture commission introduces the story of St. Landry, who was instrumental in feeding the poor of Paris and constructing a hospital in 653 which remains in operation to this day. While serving as Bishop of Paris during a year-long famine that began in 650, St. Landry sold all of his possessions including valuable items belonging to the Church in order to purchase food. Opelousas Rotary Club member Bruce Gaudin, who spearheaded the statue project, had it placed in front of Opelousas Courthouse in Louisiana, where parish government business is performed daily. According to Gaudin, “The statue is a reminder that St. Landry was a man of action who embodied the principles of Rotary. He wasn’t a king or a general, but like Rotarians what mattered is St. Landry placed service above self.”

As Kim Bernadas read and learned more about St. Landry and his legacy she realized that, “It became fun for me to find out the history of this religious man. I was inspired by his dedication to the poor and I thought that his image should be more of a peaceful view and show just how he might have looked to the French in that day.”

Saint Landry Sculpture Commission Life Size Bronze, 2022 – Select Images
Commissioned by Opelousas Rotary Club for Biennial Celebration of Opelousas, LA

Press

May 24, 2022, “Large Crowd Views Unveiling of St. Landry Courthouse Statue,” by Bobby Ardoin, St. Landry NOW, Opelousas, LA

May 26, 2022, “Who was St. Landry? New statue at the parish courthouse ‘gives a face to his name,” by Bobby Ardoin, Daily World

May 24, 2022, “Statue dedicated to Saint Landry of Paris in front of courthouse in Opelousa,” KLFY10

2022, “Statue of St. Landry,” Cajun Travel

May 6, 2022, “Statue to Honor Saint Landry,” by Harlan Kirgin, The Eunice News, Eunice, LA