Woody Falgoux, author of two successful non-fiction works, has written his third and most personal narrative, The Miracle of St. Genevieve: Vatican II and the Victory of Faith (May 2010, Stockard James). Until The Miracle, Mr. Falgoux never thought he would write a book about religion. His first two works were about pursuing longshot paths to fame and fortune in sports (One Dream: The NFL) and the oil industry (Rise of the Cajun Mariners: The Race for Big Oil). In this interview, he talks about writing a story decidedly different.

Mr. Falgoux has strong ties to the church and school that are the subject of his book. Here he explains how the experience of writing The Miracle of St. Genevieve affected him personally and has strengthened his faith,. He also explains why the book is important in relation to Vatican II reforms and the future of Catholic education in the twenty-first century.

What made you write a book about a small Catholic church that few people (outside of Thibodaux, LA) have heard of?

“I was called to write this book.  I can’t say that about other books I’ve written.  But for this one, I did feel called.  In retrospect, I also wanted to capture a special time in a special place.  The people featured in this story helped raise me.  In appreciation of that, writing this book was the least thing I could do.”

In what ways do you think that St. Genevieve’s story relates to the broader U.S. Catholic experience?

“The U.S. and global Catholic experience is all about recognizing the real faith and holding on to it.  St. Genevieve’s 50 years have been a microcosm of what the Church has experienced – dwindling attendance, funding problems, shocking and sickening clerical scandals—and let’s not forget this—graces and miracles that almost defy description.  Fortunately, many of the people of St. Genevieve have embraced the graces and blocked out the negatives to the best of their ability.  We have recognized, as have millions of Americans and billions of people across the world, what the faith is and what it is not.  Our Church is about Jesus Christ.” 

What was it like to interview people for the book? Was it difficult to get people to talk to you “on the record”?

“Mostly, no.  But there were off the record conversations.  In one case, I ended up deleting an entire scene, which was unfortunate but understandable. And there were people who were not comfortable talking at all. But I’ve found that most people, particularly people here in South Louisiana, are straight shooters who can live with the truth, even when it’s painful.”

Who did you enjoy interviewing the most? Who was the biggest challenge to interview?

“I would say the most enjoyable were Father Roeten (St. Genevieve’s charismatic priest during the 1960s), Miss Cappel (principal of St. Genevieve’s elementary school from 1970 – 2009) and Pat and Margaret Barrilleaux (devoted parishioners for over forty years).  It’s a tough call there.  Father Roeten, in person, is as wild and unpredictable and as inspirational as he comes off in print.  Miss Cappel is such a unique person; no one I know comes close to fitting her profile.  Sitting down at the Barrilleaux’s kitchen table was very educational.  Every married man or woman should have that opportunity.  All of them are so faith-filled.  Their faith can’t help but rub off on you.”   

The biggest challenge was certainly Robert Melancon (St. Genevieve’s former priest who was convicted on child abuse charges in the 1990s).  For a year, I debated about whether to attempt to make that trip.  Once I got there, though, he was surprisingly pleasant.

During your work on this book, did anything you discovered surprise you?

“Yes. I still have a hard time conceiving how that warehouse church came to be so quickly and how the parish was so instantly successful.  Then came Vatican II; I had no idea the depth and breath of Vatican II’s effect on the Catholic Church.  There are many more, but another one that stands out it is the degree of the parish and school’s struggle during the lean years.  I can’t imagine who I would be without St. Genevieve, but back in 1969 and 1970, during the period of my birth, the probability was the school was going to fold.  Thank God it didn’t.  I think a lot of its alumni would say amen to that.”

What was the most fun about writing this book? The most challenging?

“The most fun was how the writing became a ministry.  So many graces came from it.  I didn’t see that coming.  Now, more than ever, I try to listen to the Lord’s direction. My ears still aren’t always as open as they should be.  But I’m much more attuned than before the book.  It was also fun to work with all the people who gave their time, particularly my volunteer parishioner co-historians.  And let’s face it, it’s fun for me just to write.  I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t bring joy.

The most challenging is two-fold – first, I have a day job and a family, so finding time is always a challenge, and second, it’s a little intimidating writing about a religious subject when you’re a layman.”

What is the most important message of this book?

“That is for the reader to decide.  But I would have to say it’s a story that shows the power of a community of faith.  Everyone should find one that’s the right fit, join and participate.  Then feel the community’s strength and its comfort.”

The benefits of Vatican II have been debated for years. In your experience as a Catholic and through your knowledge of St. Genevieve’s history, what is your opinion of these reforms?

“The reforms have been wonderful. From making it possible to understand and participate in the Mass to reaching out to other faiths to something as simple as allowing a Broadway show tune to be converted into a catchy Christian hymn, I can’t say enough [good things] about Vatican II.  It has helped put the people at the center of the Church. This is what they were for centuries before all the Latin, clergy-centered, stoicism took over—the people are the real Church.”

What do you feel is the future of Catholic churches and schools in the U.S.? 

“I am guardedly optimistic.  I think the future of Catholic schools hinges on the future of the Church.  Let’s face it—a lot of it depends on your particular parish.  Many parishes need priests—who can clearly speak English and who their parishioners can relate to.  I see a big positive in the Pope allowing married Episcopal priests to become Catholic priests and stay married.  But let’s take it a step further. If necessary, let’s have a Vatican III and allow priests to become married as they do in the Orthodox and Episcopal churches.  And let’s also allow women priests.  If we take those steps, there’s no stopping the Roman Catholic Church. “