The founding bishop of the Diocese of Lake Charles has died. Bishop Jude Speyrer, 84, died Sunday in Opelousas.

 

Bishop Speyrer was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lafayette on July 25, 1953, serving in numerous pastoral and administrative assignments in the Lafayette diocese before his appointment by Pope John Paul II to lead the newly established Diocese of Lake Charles on Jan. 29, 1980.He was consecrated and installed as the diocese's first bishop on April 25, 1980, serving until the Holy Father accepted his request for retirement on Dec.12, 2000.

Burial will be in New Bethany Cemetery on the grounds of Saint Charles Center in Moss Bluff

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Bishop Glen John Provost at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Public viewing in the cathedral will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 29, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, with a Scripture Service at 6:30 p.m.

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