The Bayou Catholic Podcast

[This episode contains references to suicide and substance abuse. Listener discretion is advised.]When faith catches fire, everything changes. Fr. Picchignito Ferreira shares his powerful Catholic conversion story in this episode of the Bayou Catholic Podcast and how he fell in love with life and with God. Recorded at the newly-renovated St. Eloi Catholic Church in Theriot, Louisiana, we explore how fundamental theology helps us understand and live our faith, and what it means to encounter God in a real and personal way. We touch on aspects of faith, including suffering, forgiveness, and God’s mercy. Fr. Picchignito also reflects on the “temple” as both a physical and interior space, with an innate spark of goodness within all of us. Fr. Picchignito currently serves as parochial vicar at Holy Family Catholic Church in Dulac and St. Eloi Catholic Church in Theriot.Listen now and make sure to follow for our new episodes!More about Fr. Picchignito:• 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 of the 𝐿𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑦 in United States of America • 𝐏𝐡.𝐃. (𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫) in 𝐷𝑜𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 (PUU, Rome 2020) and 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 in 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 (PUL, Rome 2013) • 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 of 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 in Italy (2014-2020) • 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 of 𝐷𝑜𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 in one University, Seminary and Theological Institute of Latin America (2021-2025)

What shapes our 12th-grade Student of the Year? Shaylynn Dufrene shares her heartfelt story of family and faith that has led her up to this point, and what it means for her future.

Bishop Simon Peter Engurait has inaugurated a time of liturgical renewal in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. But what does that actually mean?In this episode, Bishop reflects on why he has called this renewal and his role as the principal liturgist of the diocese. He explains that the Church’s mission of salvation—drawing people into the Kingdom of God—is accomplished most fully through the liturgy, where Christ is truly present and where the faithful actively participate in God’s saving work.

In this final episode of our Seminarian Series, Fr. Mitch and Fr. Josh share a candid conversation about discernment, their vocation, and how they are guiding men in the priestly formation process. They offer insight into the joy, fulfillment, and calling of the priesthood and how God has a plan for each of our lives. 

How do you hear God in the silence? What does it mean to walk daily with the Lord?Seminarians Michael Robichaux and Caleb Sylvest share their journeys, from their upbringing to what inspires them about the priestly life, and how every day is a new “yes” to God’s call.Learn how the saints come to life in their faith, what “coffice” is and why it has become a house favorite, and how yacht rock finds its way into seminary life.Discover the joy of the Lord, the blessing of brotherhood, and what gives them hope for the Church today.

What really draws a young man to the priesthood? Is it a single life-changing moment, or a seed growing slowly over time?In this episode, seminarians Ethan Henry and William Stueben take us behind the scenes of seminary life. Here’s a clue—it’s as fun as it is inspiring! They share personal stories of family, faith, and discernment, while showing the joy, humor, and personality behind it all.From laughter to honest moments of vulnerability, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the heart—and the human side—of seminary life.

🎙️ Everyone’s been asking — how’s our Bishop feeling?In this episode of the Bayou Catholic Podcast, Bishop Simon Peter shares his favorite moments from ordination week, his heartfelt gratitude to all who made it possible, and what he’s been up to since.Tune in now!

Get to know our Bishop-Elect! Learn about his childhood, the impact and sacrifice of his parents, his time at university, and how he was formed spiritually, academically and professionally as a person. Hear about his life journey, guided by God’s grace, which has now led him to the call of serving as bishop.

We are all called to be missionary disciples! But what does that actually look like in our daily lives? In this episode, Fr. Brice Higginbotham shares five ways we can develop and grow as missionary disciples, relating it all back to Pope Leo XIV's motto, "In the One, we are one." He also shares a fun story of meeting the Pope in an unexpected place. 

Fr. JD Matherne shares his first thoughts on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV. As the world watches with hope and curiosity, we reflect on the excitement surrounding this boy from Chicago who now leads the global Church. Plus, Fr. JD offers real-life insight on where to find inspiration and how to be holy right where you are.

The Resurrection of Jesus defines us and is the center of who we are as Christians. How should it change the way we live? May we gaze upward with our heads held high as Pilgrims of Hope.#htdiocese #resurrection #easteroctave #podcast

Let your mind run free! From masses to musicals, how can your imagination make you an active participant? As we enter into Holy Week, let us pray that we may unlock the invisible realities that await us. 

Fr. Andre Melancon shares insight into the origins of Lent and why the Church sets forth this season for us. He discusses the power of self-denial, how to celebrate Lent in the Jubilee year, and the incredible opportunity available to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Andre Melancon is currently the pastor at St. Bernadette Soubirous in Houma. Bevi Fontenot is the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Bayou Catholic Podcast exists to help you in your faith journey through impactful discussions on the most relevant and current spiritual topics.  #bayoucatholicpodcast #htdiocese #lent #jubileeyear #reconciliation

Bevi Fontenot sits down with Fr. Patrick Riviere to discuss the importance of sacrifice during Lent. Fr. Patrick Riviere is a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He currently serves as the administrator of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City, Louisiana and Secretary to the Office of the Bishop. Bevi Fontenot is the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Bayou Catholic Podcast exists to help you in your faith journey through impactful discussions on the most relevant and current spiritual topics.