Feature
Administering the oath to Chief Justice Weimer is Attorney Danny Cavell. Also pictured are Chief Justice Weimer’s wife Penny, and their daughters Jacqueline, Katherine and Emily.
Thibodaux native sits atop state’s highest court Story by Janet Marcel Thibodaux native John L. Weimer recently took the oath of office as the 26th Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court at an investiture ceremony in New Orleans. Chief Justice Weimer explains that they were originally planning a rather robust ceremony beginning with Bishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrating Mass at St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux with the investiture following at Nicholls State University. But because of COVID-19, they had to have a virtual swearing-in ceremony. Chief Justice Weimer says he is really grateful for the kindness extended to him by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and Father Vic DeLa Cruz, V.F., pastor of St. Joseph CoCathedral. “Bishop Fabre, who is a very eloquent, spiritual and holy man of God, was kind enough to attend my investiture in New Orleans and give the invocation.” Bishop Fabre says it was an honor for him to offer the invocation prayer and to be present for Chief Justice Weimer’s investiture ceremony. “I came to know Chief Justice Weimer through casual 32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2021
conversations with him when I would encounter him after Mass on various occasions. It was clear to me from my interactions with him that he is a man of great dedication to his Catholic faith and to his family. It has always been a joy to be in his presence. My involvement in his investiture as Chief Justice enabled me to get to know him also from the perspective of his responsibilities as a justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court. It was clear from those who spoke at the investiture that Chief Justice Weimer is very dedicated to his responsibilities in this regard, as well,” says Bishop Fabre. “Chief Justice Weimer will serve the Louisiana Supreme Court very well. I am certain that he will seek after and administer justice, serve the common good, and, as a person of great faith, have the guidance and assistance of the Holy Spirit with him. I pledge my prayers for him in this great honor and responsibility placed upon him,” adds the bishop. Chief Justice Weimer says his faith keeps him grounded. “My wife’s family had a deep Catholic faith and they have
a
