Reverend Floyd Joseph Calais

1926 - 2023

Reverend Floyd Joseph Calais, 97, retired Pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church, died peacefully on December 6, 2023 at his home in Lafayette after having faithfully served in priestly ministry for seventy-three years. Father Calais had a profound effect on many throughout the Diocese of Lafayette and news of his death has been greeted with sadness amongst the laity and clergy. Those who knew him enjoy a spirit of gratitude for the hope and joy he shared. Father's belief in the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and his gentle demeanor have brought many back to the Catholic Church. Father Calais has accompanied numerous individuals to Richard, Louisiana to visit Charlene Richard's grave. He has witnessed miracles and given testimony to her intercessory power. He was an extraordinary individual. In the years following his retirement in 1994, he eagerly sought out the lost, visited the sick and daily ministered to those who sought his fatherly wisdom. His eyes would light up when anyone would ask him a question about the faith. Father Calais had a deep appreciation for the generosity of others, especially those who cared for him during his later years and through his illness. Father Calais was born on November 28, 1926 in Cecilia where he attended Cecilia Elementary and Cecilia High School. His parents were Theard Calais and Aline LeBlanc Calais, both natives of his beloved hometown. At a young age, Father responded to the call to serve as a priest of Jesus Christ. He enrolled at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington for his philosophical studies and then Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans for his theological studies. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Lafayette on June 3, 1950. Thereafter he served as Associate Pastor in the parishes of Saint Peter in New Iberia and the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette. He was then Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist in Melville, Saint Edward in Richard, Saint Theresa in Abbeville, Saint Genevieve and Holy Cross in Lafayette. He served in various capacities including as chaplain at the local Charity Hospital and on various diocesan committees. He is survived by many cousins and their extended families. They would like to especially thank James Sellers, Dr. Gus Ingraldi, Dr. Ed Lafleur, Dr. Bradley Chastant, Dr. Jeff Budden, Dr. Greg Ardoin, and Dr. Frank Cardinale as well as his family of dedicated caregivers. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m. led by The Very Reverend Chester C. Arceneaux, VF. A rosary will also be prayed at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the downtown location of Martin & Castille Funeral Home from 8:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, will be the Principal Celebrant at the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lafayette on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Michael Delcambre will be the Homilist. Principal Concelebrants include Reverend Aaron Melancon, Reverend Louis Richard, and Reverend Mario Romero. Pallbearers are Reverend Arockiam Arockiam, SVD, Reverend John "Buddy" Breaux, Reverend Stephen Pellessier, Reverend Andrew Schumacher, Reverend Bryce Sibley, STL and Reverend Kyle White. Father Calais will be entombed near his family at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Cecilia. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Saint Joseph Seminary College, 75376 River Road, Saint Benedict, Louisiana 70457. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com. Martin & Castille Funeral Home - Downtown, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311.