Father Charles Soileau Dies
Father Soileau died Sunday, June 5, in Opelousas
Survivors include his brother Albert Soileau and wife Irene of Opelousas, his sister Alice McLellan and husband Robert of Opelousas, and sister-in-law Kathleen Soileau of Ville Platte as well as nieces and nephews.
Father Soileau was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Lafayette on June 8, 1957 at St. John Cathedral in Lafayette. Born Nov. 10, 1928 in Washington, La., he studied at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, La., and did his Theological studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.
Following his ordination, Father Soileau served as assistant pastor at St. Peter Catholic Church in New Iberia and then at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath. He was named pastor of St. Eugene Catholic Church in Grand Chenier in 1967, serving there until 1969 when he became pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arthur. In 1974, he was transferred to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Eunice as pastor, serving there until late 1975 when he was named pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Oakdale. During that time, he also served a Dean of the Eunice Deanery.
When the Diocese of Lake Charles was established in 1980, Father Soileau remained at Sacred Heart. In 1985, he was appointed pastor of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Raymond. During that time, he also served on the Diocese of Lake Charles Parish Boundaries Commission and the Clergy Personnel Board.
In November 1986, Father Soileau was named pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vinton remaining there until his retirement from active ministry in June 1999.
