Some paths in life start with a single, unexpected moment — for Sister Barbara Arceneaux, FMOL, that moment happened in a Catechism class. Inspired by Sister Mary Cabrini’s presentation about the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, young Barbara felt a pull toward something greater. That pull led her on a transformative journey from her childhood…
The Berken home in Lake Arthur is filled with love and activity. Although the oldest of the six Berken children have moved out, the entire family is together often for celebrations, meals and activities. In the midst of it all is the youngest, Faith, who will turn 10 years old this October. “She is so…
“God called me to become a sister, and He also called me to serve in the healthcare ministry,” Sr. Uyen Vu, FMOL, shares simply yet powerfully. Her journey is one of faith and dedication, guided by her deep belief in serving others. Born in Vietnam, Sr. Uyen’s path to religious life was shaped by both…
Growing up in a deeply Catholic family in Ireland, Sister Helen Cahill, FMOL, was surrounded by the spirit of mission from an early age. “I went to a Catholic school, and many missionaries would come by over the years,” she shares. “I saw the wonderful work that they were doing, and I felt attracted to…
When visitors step into Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, they’re now greeted by more than just a welcoming space and smiling faces. They’re met with a powerful visual reminder of faith, healing and the enduring strength of compassion. On March 10, 2025, Archbishop Gregory Aymond blessed “The Canticle of Praise,” a breathtaking new painting…
Curry Allen, director for Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, never expected to build a career in healthcare. In fact, after college and a stint playing professional football, he saw hospitals as cold, sterile places full of germs. But a part-time job as a patient transporter changed everything. “Interacting with patients and realizing that…
Sister Martha Abshire, FMOL, has spent decades serving others. Not from a place of duty, but from a heart filled with compassion, faith and a relentless drive to make a difference. Sr. Martha’s story is one of deep commitment, humility and a profound sense of purpose. A Life of Service, Rooted in Faith Sr. Martha’s…
Learn why keeping your child up-to-date with their vaccines is crucial to their health.
Honoring our legacy and committed to your health, Our Lady of the Lake Ascension is now Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth, reflecting our longstanding commitment to the Ascension Parish community and our Franciscan heritage. This name change honors not only our deep connection and commitment to the Ascension Parish community but also the…
When Liam Joshua started daycare in January, his family never imagined they’d soon face a nightmare. Within weeks, the 18-month-old was battling a severe illness that escalated rapidly, landing him in the ICU at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. What began as a case of RSV quickly turned into pneumonia, pushing Liam to…
Time is of the essence when someone is experiencing a stroke. That’s why the emergency room team at Our Lady of the Lake – the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence – is prepared to immediately begin assessing and treating possible stroke patients, even before they arrive at the hospital. “If someone is coming…
Bringing a baby into the world is one of life’s most joyful moments — but when complications arise, having expert care close to home makes all the difference. At St. Francis Health, families in Northeast Louisiana can expect the highest level of care for both moms and newborns, with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care…
Bryce Ramsey knows the importance of listening to her body. A nurse with 16 years of experience, she was no stranger to the demands of healthcare, but when subtle signs began appearing in her own life, she found herself on the other side of patient care. A Nurse’s Intuition At 33, Bryce noticed blood in…
When it comes to surgical excellence, precision and innovation go hand in hand. At Our Lady of the Lake Robotic Surgery Institute, Daryl Marx, MD, is redefining robotic-assisted surgery, setting new standards for precision and patient outcomes. With more than 5,000 robotic procedures under his belt, Dr. Marx is a leader in minimally invasive surgery,…
The first time Kelsey held her son, Tahj, he was impossibly small — born three months early, weighing just over two pounds. Instead of going home with his parents, Kelsey and Daniel, he spent his first four months in the NICU at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, fighting to grow stronger. Today,…
When it comes to improving your health, what you eat plays a major role. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Instead, small, intentional changes — like incorporating more plant-based meals or following a heart-healthy eating pattern — can add up to lasting benefits. The Mediterranean Diet: A Timeless Approach…
Sandra Auzenne is a dedicated registered technologist and registered mammographer at Our Lady of Lourdes Breast Center. Sandra has spent 37 years in the healthcare field, performing screening and diagnostic mammograms, as well as bone density exams to the patients she serves. Finding Inspiration in Radiology Sandra’s passion for healthcare was sparked during a career…
From an unexpected heart failure diagnosis to life-saving surgery, Richard Moss’ journey is marked by his deep faith, a strong family support system and the expert care he received at St. Francis Health. An Unexpected Diagnosis After contracting COVID-19 for the second time in early 2024, Richard started experiencing severe breathing difficulties. “I couldn’t breathe…