Catholic High School soon will dedicate its new gymnasium after longtime priest and former pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, the Rev. J. Wilson Matt.

It is deserving that someone so thoughtful, a prince of a man be recognized for his contributions to Iberia Parish and Catholic High by having a structure named in his honor where children will play sports.

Not being a native of this area, I knew Father Matt probably the least of most people here, but he gave me the attention and warmth in every conversation as though we had known each other for years. He would call from time to time when he appreciated something I had written, especially if it involved my Catholic faith.

“Mr. Zeringue,” he would say after I answered the phone here at the paper, his deep bass voice resonating over the phone. He words were always kind and he always sounded as though he were smiling. “I enjoyed reading your

column …”

When my family and I were members of Sacred Heart, it was common to see Father Matt, well into his 90s by then, shuffle in to a seat next to the Rev. Richard Greene and participate in Mass. Generations parishioners would pass by to greet him, all smiling and happy to see him.

On the occasion he was not at Mass, parishioners noticed and ended their inquiry of his whereabouts with “I hope he’s OK.”

His history in the area is long; his contributions to Catholic High great, so to honor this man of God with a building where fun is to be had and character of the young will be shaped is fitting.

JEFF ZERINGUE

MANAGING EDITOR