Episode 2: Faith — The Root That Holds Us

Bella Creole Life: The Podcast

In Episode 2 of Bella Creole Life: The Podcast, we begin at the root — Faith — and explore the deep role the Catholic Church has played in shaping Creole families, communities, and identity across generations.

From childhood memories of church life in Cloutierville to catechism classes, church fairs, cemetery cleanups, and All Saints and All Souls Day traditions, this episode reflects on how faith was not just practiced, but lived — as a rhythm of everyday life.

Cici shares heartfelt and humorous stories, including an unforgettable childhood moment that sparked her first real prayer, memories of Midnight Mass and family rosaries, and the powerful influence of Creole women, elders, and religious leaders who modeled devotion through action and love.

The episode also journeys to Southwest Louisiana — Oberlin, Lake Charles, Prairie Ronde, and sacred places of pilgrimage — where faith deepened through community, Cursillo, prayer, and time spent at the Ave Maria Shrine with beloved family members. We also honor the legacy of Henriette Delille and the Sisters of the Holy Family, whose presence affirmed the place of Creole people of color within the Catholic faith.

As always, the episode weaves together Faith, Family, Food, and Fun, reminding us that our cultural memories are inseparable from the traditions that shaped us.

This episode is not just about one family’s story — it’s an invitation to our big ol’ Louisiana Creole family, wherever you may be in the world, to reflect, remember, and reconnect.

✨ Join the conversation:
Visit www.BellaCreoleLife.com to share your faith stories, family traditions, photos, events, and memories. Let’s keep our culture, history, and traditions alive — together — on this big ol’ virtual front porch.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and come on in, cousin… you’re home