06/24/2026
We celebrated a historic milestone in our campaign to build Wisdom for Every Generation today with the Blessing of the Bells. Bishop Deshotel presided over the rite and several of our seminarians, including recently-ordained Deacon Eric Hernandez served.
The bells are named Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. John the Baptist, whose nativity we celebrate today, June 24. The bells have the ability to sound a funeral toll, play De Profundis, the Angelus, Hour and Half Hour strikes, and the Westminster chime and hour strikes.
Here are more details about each of the bells:
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Symbol: Rose
The rose is in reference to the Castilian roses that miraculously bloomed in winter as a sign that Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego.
Dedication: This bell rings in honor of Blair Elizabeth Cestia
Scripture: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1
Inscription: Heavenly Father, Make this dwelling place a beacon of light to overcome the darkness and a home where students come to know You and love You. Through the intercession of Mary, Seat of Wisdom, we make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen
(An excerpt from the Wisdom for Every Generation Prayer that has guided the Capital Campaign for the new Our Lady of Wisdom.)
Details: Our Lady of Guadalupe was cast in 2026 and has a 36” diameter, weighing 1,245 pounds. The bell is tuned to A.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Symbol: Bird
St. Francis famously preached his “sermon to the birds” after St. Clare encouraged him to continue preaching the gospel rather than devote himself solely to prayer. The first beings he came upon were a flock of birds and he preached to them with fervor!
Dedication: This bell rings in honor of Zachary Savoy Cestia
Scripture: “For it is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis of Assisi
Crest: His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo was elected May 8, 2025, twenty-one days after construction began.
Details: St. Francis was cast in 2026 and has a 27” diameter, weighing 700 pounds. The bell is tuned to D.
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Symbol: Stripes
The Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, are identified by their habit featuring three blue stripes, representing their vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity or service to the poor.
Dedication: This bell rings in honor of Mia Anne Cestia
Scripture: “With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Crest: The Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel. The Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of Lafayette, installed April 15, 2016. After seven years of negotiations, Bishop Deshotel played a key role in securing ownership of the property at 504 East St. Mary Boulevard.
Details: St. Teresa was cast in 2026 and has a 24.5” diameter, weighing 600 pounds. The bell is tuned to E.
St. John the Baptist
Symbol: Oil Lamp
Jesus describes St. John the Baptist as an oil lamp, symbolizing his mission to point others to Christ, the true light. “He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.” (John 5:35).
Dedication: This bell rings in honor of Clay Bujard Cestia
Scripture: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none.” Luke 3:11
Seal: University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Our Lady of Wisdom’s Catholic student ministry has served the campus community since 1923.
Details: St. John was cast in 2026 and has a 22” diameter, weighing 500 pounds. The bell is tuned to F #.
