This bronze statue was made in the likeness of St. Landry, our parish’s namesake. He was known as “St. Landerieus” and “St. Landry the Confessor” and was consecrated bishop of Paris in 650. During the famine of 650-651, Saint Landry sold all of his personal possessions, as well as some of the furniture and sacred vessels for the church, to feed the poor. In 651, Saint Landry founded a hospital dedicated to St. Christopher near the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The hospital exists today and is called the Hotel-Dieu de Paris. Under the direction of Saint Landry, the original church of St. Germain l’Auxerrois in Paris was built, and it became the parish of the kings of France. Saint Landry served as Bishop of Paris until his death, which occurred in 661.
He was buried in the Church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, and today you can see his statue and frescos painted in St. Landry’s Chapel in the church. Although his tomb still exists, his remains were moved to another location during the French Revolution to prevent desecration. The current location of his remains is unknown. St. Landry’s Feast Day is June 10.
This statue was sculpted by Kim Bernadas, a New Orleans figurative and portrait sculptor with over 20 years of experience. It sits on the historic Courthouse Square in downtown Opelousas right across from Java Square Café.
The statue of St. Landry was made possible by the Rotary Club of Opelousas.
