Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is one of the great celebrations of the year, especially here in the State of Louisiana. Did you know that Mardi Gras celebrations are actually rooted in Christian tradition?
Officially, the Carnival Season begins on the "Twelfth Night" Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) on the after Christmas, when we commemorate the Three Kings visit to the newborn Christ. Since Medieval times, on the day before Ash Wednesday, the Christian faithful would clear their homes and kitchens of all sumptuous foods (e.g., butter, fat, sugar, and eggs) baking those items into rich pastries, or "king cakes," for one last celebration before the 40-day penitential Season of Lent.
In 2022, Holy Trinity's own Pastor Fr. Duane was invited to serve as chaplain to the Krewe of Gemini - the first parading Krewe in modern times in Shreveport and Bossier City. Fr. Duane's responsibilities include offering a Christian prayer at the annual Mardi Gras Ball, and blessing the parade floats at the "float loading" the night before the parade. Being present to the people of Mardi Gras is a wonderful way to promote Christianity and Christian prayer in the local commuity.