RAYNE – Reverend Edward Chiffriller, SSJ Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, along with Mayor Chuck Robichaux, along with
the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission, are proud and excited to announce and invite the public to a ribbon cutting at the Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, School, and Convent, located at 600 W. Jefferson Davis Avenue, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
The special ceremony will be held in honor of the 101-year-old church, school and convent as the structures have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The celebration will begin with a brief ceremony at 1 p.m. at the church, ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. followed by a reception and guided tours of the historic structures.
Distinguished guests will include personnel of the State National Register and the Historic Preservation Office, Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, representative of the Lt. Gov. Billy Nungessuer’s office, local and state dignitaries.
This “history in the making” event marks the collaborated efforts of many months and hours of researching and documenting the history of
the church. With the January 24th ceremony, the City of Rayne is now home to three listings as part of the National Register of Historic Places, with even more to come as announced by the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission.
Public is invited to attend and enjoy this once in a lifetime celebration for all to share.