Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Father Rommel Tolentino, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish hosted a night of gospel praise music in honor of Venerable Augustus Tolton. Saturday, November 16, 2024, was the date of an ecumenical, community celebration of song and praise sponsored by the Tolton Ambassadors who have been planning this event for over 4 years. Due to the Covid outbreak and two hurricanes that devasted the Lake Charles area in 2020, the event had to be delayed. However, through the perseverance and hard work of the advocates promoting the cause for Sainthood of Father Tolton, the Tolton Musical became a reality. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the Black Community of Lake Charles of the Cause for Sainthood of Father Tolton that was opened by the Chicago Diocese in 2011.
The music director of the 25-member, Lake Charles Community Choir, Mr. Don McZeal, stated that the musical was not a concert or play, it was a worship service; all were to raise minds and hearts in praise of the One God.
The Choir consisted of members from three of the Catholic churches assisted by the Black and Indian Mission Grant: Saint Henry; Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. There were members of 6 Baptist Churches in the Lake Charles area as well. Each of the Choir members wore a purple tee shirt with an image of Venerable Tolton on it.
