From the Editor

From the Editor

Honoring those on the front line this Labor Day

The month of September usually marks the end of summer with the celebration of Labor Day. This year, Labor Day is celebrated on Sept. 6. For many who labor throughout the year this is a day set aside to rest, to acknowledge our accomplishments in our labor, and in many places in our country it signals the beginning of a new school year.

Through our occupations we all labor in various degrees. Many work in the fields to produce food for our great nation. Some work in factories manufacturing goods that we have come to depend on and that help make our lives easier. There are many, especially in our area, who work in the energy sector to provide fuel for our country, which we consume at an increasing rate each year.

There is one group who has been especially busy giving of themselves for some time now. I am speaking of those in the medical profession, especially our doctors, nurses, paramedics and all who support the medical community in any way.

Since COVID-19 has taken hold, our medical professionals have been working tirelessly around the clock providing healthcare to millions not only in our country but worldwide.

This Labor Day many who work on the frontline in our hospitals won’t be taking the day off and enjoying time with their families. Instead, they will be caring for those who have been stricken by this virus that has gripped our nation and the world.

There is an answer to this terrible pandemic. It is in the form of a vaccine that is now available to the general public and hopefully will be given full FDA approval shortly.

I recently posed a few questions to Jamie P. Falcon, RN, CCRN, clinical director of the Critical Care Unit at Thibodaux Regional Health System in Thibodaux. I asked him what would be his message to those individuals who are still skeptical about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? His response was “I would encourage everyone to consider the vaccine and discuss the option with their healthcare provider. I would also encourage individuals to utilize reliable resources of information and avoid misleading headlines and articles. As with any medication or treatment, there are associated risks. I truly feel the benefits of receiving the vaccine outweigh the risks. The vaccine decreases the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, which allows patients to be treated at home.”

Falcon explains how this surge of the virus is different from the initial wave that affected this area over a year ago. “For the initial surge, this was a novel virus with many unknowns. Everyone worked together to take care of the people in our community with the best treatments we had at the time. The vaccines gave everyone hope that a return to normalcy was near. We are again experiencing hospitals at full capacity with primarily unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. We are caring for a much younger population that is becoming extremely ill during this surge. However, we have learned from our experiences and are more prepared, knowledgeable, and able to anticipate patient care needs.”

A few months ago it seemed we were headed in the right direction when the vaccines were originally introduced. Now that there is an increase in cases and our healthcare systems are being pushed to the limit, it is having an effect on the healthcare workers, especially doctors, nurses and staff in general. “Initially we were battling an unknown virus with no preventable measures available. Hospital staff collaborated and rallied to provide care for these critically ill patients. With vaccines being widely available, we expected a decrease in severe case rates due to higher vaccine rates. Doctors, nurses and all hospital staff continue to care for patients in our community despite their vaccination status. Our healthcare workers remain focused, hopeful, and diligent in their efforts to provide quality care to all patients,” says Falcon.

When asked what keeps the medical professionals going day after day when they see an increase of patients in need of care, and how do they handle the stress of seeing so many people suffering and so many co-workers putting themselves at risk to care for the ill, Falcon responds. “As healthcare providers, we are committed to providing the best care possible to the people of our community. Regardless of diagnosis, we will continue to do our best to care for those in need. Healthcare workers depend on each other for support, encouragement and debriefing. We continue to push forward each day for our patients, their families and each other.”

This Labor Day while you are relaxing with your family and friends, perhaps barbecuing in the backyard, remember those who are on the frontline working in our hospitals providing lifesaving care for so many.

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News. BC

Lawrence

Special

Msgr. Donald Ledet dies at age 85

Msgr. Donald Ledet

Msgr. Donald L. Ledet, retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, died Sunday, July 25. He was 85 years old. The Thibodaux native was ordained to the priesthood May 25, 1963, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrated a Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese. Father Michael Bergeron, retired diocesan priest, was the homilist.

Throughout his 50 years as a priest, Msgr. Ledet served as assistant pastor in church parishes in Montegut, New Orleans and Marrero, as pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Pointe-aux-Chenes; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church parish in Kenner; and St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland. In addition, he served the people of St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux, St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula, and Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow. He also served on the priests’ council, as dean of the South Lafourche Deanery for six years, and in 1991 was given a Prelate of Honor with the title of monsignor.

Msgr. Ledet retired June 1, 2001. In 2010, he moved to St. Joseph Manor in Thibodaux where he served as chaplain until his death. He was interred at the Priests’ Tomb in St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux. BC

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier