• Father Leon Maillichut

  • Early Bridge across Bayou Teche

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    St. Leo the Great Catholic Church - 1897 (The first church)

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    Charles Circe', a Canadian, ran a private school in Leonville during the early part of the 20th century. Back row, second from the left is Emelie Quebedeaux, fight from the left is Lelia Speyrer, on her right is Charles Sirce' and send from the right is Marie Arnaud. Photo take approximately 1906 - Photo and names furnished by Marie LaHaye.

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  • Leonville High School - 1955
    The school was constructed in 1921.

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    St. Leo the Great Catholic Church after a rare snowfall - Built in 1909 - This is the second church.

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The Town of Leonville, nestled along the scenic Bayou Teche, is located between Opelousas and Arnaudville on Highway 31.  Leonville was founded as a settlement of gens de couleur libres or free men of color.  The town was named for Father Leon Mailluchet who was instrumental in having St. Leo the Great Catholic Church built in 1897.

The current church was built by the second pastor, Father Eugene Livorel between 1907 and 1916.  The old church was converted into a rectory and if ever you are able to visit the attic, you will find that there are still panels of stained glass from that bygone era.