The first of several services for late Governor Kathleen Blanco happens this morning with an interfaith ceremony at St. Joseph Cathedral in Downtown Baton Rouge. Diocese of Baton Rouge spokesperson Deacon Dan Borne says a flag will be draped over the casket by Governor Edwards and State Police, an opening prayer, then three scripture readings.
“One from the Jewish Testament, one from the Koran, and one from the Christian New Testament. We’ll have reflections, one by Dr. Kim Hunter Reed and the other by Governor Edwards.”
About half of the cathedral is reserved for family, but Borne says the public seating will likely fill fast.
“There will be limited seating open to the public, there will not be folding chairs in the cathedral, and the back lobby will be kept open for the media and their cameras.”
Borne says for those that cannot make it to the cathedral, a telecast can be seen on affiliates of Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
“That broadcast will begin at 930, and the cameras will be on at 930, but the interfaith service itself will not begin until 10.”
Following the ceremony, the casket will be transported to the Capitol to lie in state. The service will also be streamed on the CatholicLifeTV.org and LPB.org.
The day will continue with a public viewing of the Governor as she lies in state starting at 1pm.
Commissioner of Higher Ed and former Blanco Aide Kim Hunter Reed says the state’s first female Governor is getting a fitting send-off.
“When visitors come they will get a sense of who Kathleen Blanco was and have an opportunity to recognize her as she lies in state.”
The public viewing will be open through 6pm.
The viewing will give the public an opportunity to learn more about who Kathleen Blanco was, and what was most important to her.
“When visitors come to the State Capitol, they will have an opportunity to see a wonderful collection of her memorabilia”
Reed says they’ve received interest in the public ceremonies from people young and old from across the state. They expect a lot of old friends to be in attendance, and even some students eager to learn about Blanco, and Reed says the love has poured in from around the state.
“On social media, in newspapers, on radio, there have been a lot of fitting tributes and fitting comments about a woman who had a very generous heart.”
For more information and a detailed readout of the schedule Click Here.
