Senate Resolution No. ___, introduced by Senator Boudreaux, commends and congratulates the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on its Ninetieth Anniversary. The resolution highlights the church's historical significance, tracing its roots back to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) founded in 1875, and its establishment in Lafayette in 1934. The church has played a vital role in serving the African-American Catholic community, initially led by four African-American priests who laid the foundation for evangelism, education, and community service. Over the years, the church has grown to become a center of activity, offering various programs for faith formation, youth engagement, and adult ministry.

The resolution also acknowledges the challenges faced by the Immaculate Heart of Mary School, which closed in 2016 due to enrollment and financial issues but has since been revitalized through a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. This funding has allowed the school to expand its facilities and continue its mission of promoting school readiness and positive outcomes for children and families in the Lafayette community. The Senate recognizes the profound impact the church and school have had on the local African-American community and expresses gratitude for their contributions over the past ninety years.