Road Trip : Louisiana

By Lisa's * Everyday Life on August 8, 2024

Come along with me on my trip across my state :

Today I am about 45 minutes from home on I :49 in this historic towns of Grand Coteau ( left side exit) and Sunset,La. ( right side exit) Lisa

Grand Coteau is home to the only miracle in the U.S. recognized by the Vatican

The buzz around town is that 70541 is the "miracle zip code." In 1866, novice (prospective nun) Mary Wilson was healed by the apparition of the Blessed John Berchmans. This miracle led to Berchmans' canonization and is the only miracle in the U.S. recognized by the Vatican. Curiosity surrounding the miracle resurfaced when roughly 2,000 attendees witnessed the arrival of the holy heart of St. John Berchmans. The heart traveled all the way from Belgium, in December, to the Academy of the Sacred Heart, where the miracle occurred. Residents of the miracle zip code felt so inspired by these events that as of December 13, 2016, a unanimous vote by the town council declared St. John Berchmans the official patron saint of Grand Coteau. The Shrine of St. John Berchmans is available for tours by appointment year-round. Visitors are also welcome to visit Mary Wilson's grave site in the convent cemetery located on the grounds of the Academy of the Sacred Heart.https://www.louisianatravel.com/blog/4-things-you-may-not-know-about-grand-coteau

One of the oldest institutions of learning was founded in Grand Coteau

Founded in 1821, The Academy of the Sacred Heart is the oldest continually operating Sacred Heart School in the world, as well as one of the oldest institutions of learning in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River. Even during the Civil War, when many schools closed due to a lack of resources, the Academy continued to operate. Today, you can learn more about the school's Civil War history in the museum and tour the historic chapel and the Cemetery of the Religious of the Sacred Heart.

After we explore the sites and have a sweet Dough Pie -it's down the road the Sunset for good music and food as we stroll through downtown and explore the outdoor market...... Lisa

Sunset,La

Founded as the Village of Sunset in 1904, it held its first meeting on December 7, 1904, with Victor Hugo Sibille serving as the first mayor.

Sunset was once the sweet potato capital of the world. As the sweet potato crops declined, soybean and corn have taken over. Now you can explore the historic downtown and visit art museum, res truants and antique shops that line the downtown area.