Deborah Burst - Louisianas Sacred Places: Churches, Cemeteries and Voodoo

Sacred Places

CHURCHES, CEMETERIES AND VOODOO

DEBORAH BURST

foreword by Mona L. Hayden

Cloud Burst Publishing

Mandeville, LA

www.deborahburst.com

Copyright 2014 by Deborah Burst

All rights reserved

All photos courtesy of the author unless otherwise noted

First published 2014

Smashwords Edition

Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the self-published author and Cloud Burst Publishing. The author disclaims all liability in connection with the use of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

For all the lingering souls and spirits

especially Steven Forer and Mary Fitzpatrick

Delightfully vivid bringing to life all the favorite haunts of the lively spirits both living and dead.

Anne Rice, lauded author of gothic fiction, Christian literature, and best known for The Vampire Chronicles featuring Lestat

W riting a book is much like birthing a baby. Theres nine months of labor and then that magical day when the bundle of joy arrives. Rather than a hospital, the delivery comes via a big brown truck, and instead of a beaming doctor, its a driver who doesnt quite share the same jubilation.

Yes Im a proud mamma, and doing both the writing and photography is more like dealing with a set of twins. But without the help of so many cheering me on, well, I may not be writing this acknowledgement right now.

Where to start, maybe the ones who heard my cries the most? My husband Michael, newly retired, who witnessed the frustration first hand. The cursing from the upstairs office, cursing when my laptop died, more cursing when the Internet was down, multiple times, and finally smiles when I brought home my new Mac. And yes, hes still here.

Mona Hayden, editor of Louisiana Road Trips magazine, long time friend and my part time therapist, is my biggest cheerleader and always, always eager to help. Without Sue Quiroz, there would be no Voodoo chapter. Besides our love for adventure, she enjoys getting lost and laughs at my multiple U-turns.

And I would be remiss if I didnt include my social media family. They are always there making me smile, lifting my spirits, and a huge part of this book guiding me in so many photo decisions. Thanks guys!

Every writer has a host of mentors, and Anne Rice tops the list with lessons in how to be a better person and a better writer. Monica Pierre is an incredible talent full of heart and always there to help. Sharon Edwards is not only an amazing newspaper editor, but has been most generous in giving me time to finish this project. My friends with the Northshore Literary Society have been so supportive, Pamela Lott, and so many more always there with big hugs and kind words. Fellow authors Jean Lutz and Patricia Clanton were so generous in offering their prose and input in the history of the St. Tammany communities.

Then there are the friends who patiently wait for my return to the land of the living, thanks Susie Cox for being there for so many years. Its time to catch up on those lunches and cocktails.

Kudos to Sallie Ann Glassman for all her help and introducing me to the world of Voodoo. The ceremonies are filled with so much passion and it was a privilege to photograph such a treasured New Orleans tradition.

Lee Froehlich, a master in writing, who makes my words shine. Hes a long time friend, mentor and chaperone on many New Orleans culinary marathons. Todd Barselow, a professional editor, who straightens out my jumbled grammar and a pro in promotion. And a huge thanks to Myra Beckman in designing my stunning book cover, she is not only a talented graphic artist but has the patience of a saint.

So many brought me to this point, Mark Newman, editor extraordinaire, Beth Sager, who gave me my first column, and all my friends at Tulane. And especially those who have left this world, Steven Forer, a dear friend who guided me through Tulane, and Mary Fitzpatrick, who believed in a college undergrad and published my first article.

My children, Julie and Jared, along with lovely Catherine, who shares my passion for cemeteries, you rescued me from the depths of despair when my Internet went down just days before deadline. You not only gave me a place to work, but also kept me happy with pizza, tacos and a huge bag of trail mix.

And my extended family, my mother Helen, our daily calls kept me sane and you are the only one who enjoys my constant bragging about Pepper, my fur baby. My Pepper joined me everyday listening to the pounding of keys while lounging on the sofa or hunting lizards on the back deck.

My sisters, Twana and Misha, always there for me, always eager to help, and the marathon text messages that made me laugh. Russell and Mike, so loving and caring, always there to lend a helping hand. My father who gave me my lust for travel, and my brother who gave me my sense of adventure, your spirit keeps me going and both of you are part of every page. Love you guys!

W hat a journey! My quest in discovering Louisianas Sacred Places grew from the pages of my first book, Hallowed Halls of Greater New Orleans . Unlike most authors, I cherish book signings and speaking events. Everyone has a church story, heartfelt memories of frilly dresses and patent leather shoes, or sitting next to grandma listening to the soulful cries of an impassioned preacher.

And the cemeteries mesmerized me, almost begging me to return. They all had a story to tell, and I did my best to listen. Each has its own personality, Confederate cemeteries shadowed by weeping oaks to New Orleans cities of the dead filled with a lively crew of spirits.

Soon the spirits led me to Sallie Ann Glassman, the Voodoo priestess of New Orleans. A deep-seated religion brought from the African and Caribbean slave trade, it was the perfect link between the lively spirits of New Orleans and the traditions of the Catholic church. It became the largest chapter in terms of history and an emotional connection to my hometown of New Orleans. Inside this chapter you will witness a personal account of two Voodoo ceremonies, the St. Johns Eve ceremony on Bayou St. John and the Hurricane Turnaround ceremony in the Bywater neighborhood. You will also meet Marie Laveau and learn her legacy as the first New Orleans Voodoo Queen.

Driven to share more, I wanted to create a tour guide, a trail of my favorite travels from the glamour of downtown New Orleans to the bayous and wildflower fields of the Florida Parishes: St. Tammany, Pointe Coupee, East Feliciana and West Feliciana.

It begins with the stunning European architecture of Immaculate Conception Jesuit churchbuilt, surprisingly, with the lines of Islamic architectureit begs anyone, regardless of religion, to bow his or her head in honor of such a masterful feat.

The modest building of Our Lady of Guadalupe, once known as the mortuary chapel, was host to thousands of funerals during the yellow fever epidemics. Today, it brings both a spiritual and ghostly presence. Visitors from all over the world light candles in prayer, while those closer to home come in need of food and shelter.

St. Roch chapel and cemetery brings a centuries-old story of miracles. In one of my most poetic chapters, witness the chapels chamber filled with morbid relics. It owns a cult style following from around the world.