This year marks the 150th anniversary year of their work and deaths during the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1873.
By Joseph Pronechen, EWTN News, June 29, 2023
Joseph Pronechen is staff writer with the National Catholic Register since 2005 and before that a regular correspondent for the paper. His articles have appeared in a number of national publications including Columbia magazine, Soul, Faith and Family, Catholic Digest, Catholic Exchange, and Marian Helper. …
This month, the bishops of the United States affirmed the advancement of the cause of beatification and canonization on the diocesan level of five French-born priests known as the “Shreveport Martyrs.” The affirmative vote to continue the cause took place on June 15.
Already named “Servants of God,” these five young priests gave their lives ministering to the sick during the great yellow fever epidemic of 1873 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Servants of God Father Isidore Quémerais, Father Jean Pierre, Father Jean-Marie Biler, Father Louis Gergaud and Father François LeVézouët had recently arrived from their homeland in France to serve in the new diocese. This year marks the 150th anniversary year of their work and deaths during that devastating epidemic. …