Signed Copy of In An Instrument of Love: The Story of Fr. Floyd J. Calais, Fr. Calais reflects on 95 years of life, 72 years of which were spent serving God's people as a priest. Fr. Calais recounts his story with a sense of humor and a deep affection for those he served.
It is a work of creative nonfiction, primarily derived from interviews with Fr. Floyd J. Calais in his home in 2022. All of the events are true to the best of the subject's memory with chapter headings in Fr. Calais' own handwriting!
About the Book
Floyd "Flo" Joseph Calais was born in 1926 in the small, rural community of Cecilia, Louisiana. He was an only child reared by devout Catholic parents. After attending a retreat and spending time alone before the Eucharist at age 15, he desired to become a priest. A few months later, he left everything and everyone he knew to go to seminary.
After being ordained in 1950, Fr. Calais served as an associate pastor at St. Peter Church in New Iberia and the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, as interim pastor of St. John Church in Melville, and as chaplain of Charity Hospital in Lafayette before becoming the pastor of St. Edward Church in Richard, followed by St. Theresa Church in Abbeville, St. Genevieve Church in Lafayette, and Holy Cross Church in Lafayette. In 1994, Fr. Calais retired but continued to serve by filling in for priests in need, giving missions, or ministering to anyone who crossed his path.
Anyone interested in seeing video footage of Fr. Calais recounting select stories should purchase a copy of the DVD, The Priest Who Can Ride His Bike Backwards, or the DV, Charlene Richard Memories and Miracles by Fr. Floyd Calais.
A Message from Fr. Floyd J. Calais
"Love that's freely given, wants to freely be received. All the love you've poured on me can hardly be believed. And all that I can offer you is thanks. All that we can offer you is thanks."
I receive this book with deep gratitude and humility, to God, and the people involved in the publishing and production process. In 73 years of priesthood I've never doubted my calling. I cherish every minute, in every parish and every person it's been my honor to serve. I hope you find these stories enjoyable and possibly inspiring. When I think on my life and vocation all that I can offer God, and you my brothers and sisters is THANKS ~ Fr. Floyd J. Calais
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We Are Grateful
Your purchase of this book through the Cathedral Gift Shop supports the preservation of our beloved, historical, and sacred Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette, LA.
