Bishop Frank J. Dewane installed Father Jean Woady Louis as Pastor of St. Margaret Parish and Santa Rosa de Lima Mission in Clewiston on Feb. 9, 2025, in the context of the Mass.
Bishop Dewane explained that the installation of a new Pastor is like a punctuation mark for the life of the Parish – a new era under the stewardship of Father Woady.
“We do this installation because a Pastor is called upon to lead people closer to God through the areas of evangelization, worship of God and the caring for the poor,” Bishop Dewane said. “Father has to be many things to many different people and I ask that you continue to support him and pray for your Pastor and your priests as they serve all of you.”
St. Margaret Mission in Clewiston had its beginning in the late 1920s when the first permanent priest was assigned to minister to the sacramental needs of families in the growing farming community on the south shores of Lake Okeechobee. Prior to that time, travelling priests had intermittently visited the area to celebrate Mass in various homes. A church was built and dedicated in 1931, and the mission was established as a Parish on Aug. 7, 1931, as part of the then-Diocese of St. Augustine. The Parish Hall was dedicated in 1967. Today, Mass is celebrated in both English and Spanish. St. Margaret and Santa Rose de Lima Mission are served by women religious from the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Light (MHML). The Parish is also home to offices of Catholic Charities, which offer a variety of services, including a weekly food pantry. There are approximately 400 families in the Parish.
Santa Rosa de Lima Mission was developed for the growing Catholic community in Montura Ranch Estates, just south of Clewiston. Initially, the community was administered by priests serving at St. Margaret and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in LaBelle, with Mass first celebrated in a barn and then a community center before a permanent sanctuary was purchased in 2002. It was at that time Santa Rosa de Lima became a formal Mission of St. Margaret Parish. The Mission serves about 100 families and Mass is only celebrated in Spanish.
Bishop Dewane initiated the installation process by calling Father Woady to the ambo following the homily. Father then recited an Oath of Fidelity in which he promises to “adhere to the teachings, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise authentic magisterium.” Father Woady then recited, along with the faithful, the profession of faith, including additional parts solely for him. The installation also included prayers to provide the new Pastor the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to lead the Parish.
The Bishop then presented Father Woady as the new Pastor to the faithful gathered. Documents were signed by the Bishop, the new Pastor, and two official witnesses of the Parish Community, who serve as official witnesses on behalf of all of the parishioners. Copies of these documents are put in the Diocesan files for the Parish and Father, while a copy is kept at the Parish.
After Mass, Father Woady first thanked Bishop Dewane for the honor of appointing him and trusting him to lead St. Margaret Parish and Santa Rosa de Lima Mission, as well as the faithful for being so supportive since his appointment in 2021.
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad,” Father Woady said. “I am blessed to be part of this beautiful community that has welcomed me into their hearts.”
A reception followed in the Parish Hall.
