Anyone who speaks with Francis Leblanc, a music minister and teacher in the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, will encounter a soft-spoken man whose gratitude and devotion to God and his community are evident in every word. Those who have the good fortune of witnessing him lead beautiful and powerful worship music are sure to see an entirely different dimension of his personality.
For decades, Leblanc’s music has enriched the lives of thousands in southern Louisiana.
He is the music minister at his home parish of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, and at three other parishes in nearby Lafayette. He has also served as a music teacher for 24 years, and he currently teaches at a public middle school and high school.
A God-given talent
His voice and musical talent are undeniable. But Leblanc reminds people he sings not for himself but for God. “All glory to the Lord,” he says reflexively at the mere sound of applause.
Leblanc credits his strong faith life to his family and community. “I was blessed having both parents believing in God,” he said. “They instilled in us hard work and to treat people the way you want to be treated. My father is gone now, but we know where he’s at. He’s with the grace of God.” To this day, Leblanc’s mother attends Mass nearly every day and prays the rosary at least four times a day.
As a child at St. Francis, which hosted many highly talented musicians, Leblanc fell in love with the beauty of music and its ability to bring people closer to God. Father Joseph Brown, a Josephite priest who served the parish, encouraged Leblanc to develop his musical abilities and to play for the church.
Leblanc earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During his education, he received a scholarship to study overseas, but his family couldn’t afford the rest of the cost. His parish community came together to fundraise for him, so his parents didn’t have to pay a cent.
“That touched me deeply,” Leblanc said.
And for that I always want to give back, because so much was given to me through my community.
Since then, Leblanc has given back a hundredfold. His passionate music ministry and decades of teaching have inspired tens of thousands. His popularity is undeniable. A frequent cantor and musician at weddings, funerals and other major life events in the community, he is present at people’s brightest and darkest moments.
During the pandemic, Leblanc generously participated in Catholic Extension Society’s “Songs in Solidarity” concert series benefiting poor Catholic communities struggling amid the challenges of COVID-19.
The video garnered thousands of views. Many parishioners and former students commented on how much they missed hearing his voice and how much his musical inspiration meant to them in the difficult time of lockdown.
Stephanie Bernard, the director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Diocese of Lafayette, said Leblanc’s ministry “provides a tremendous blessing as he shares it with conviction, boldness and humility with people far and near.”
Notes for the next generation
Leblanc’s musical ability is matched by his talent for igniting a passion for God within the hearts and souls of all people.
“His skillfully trained vocal talent brings to his listeners an unforgettable and uplifting spiritual experience that transpires through all generations,” said Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette.
Kaffy Babineaux Belvin, the pastoral associate at Our Lady Queen of Peace, said, “He has inspired teens, young adults and adults to use their gift of music and share their love of God with the congregation.”
Each year, Leblanc serves the Diocese of Lafayette’s annual African American Youth Congress. This event, which is supported by Catholic Extension Society, invites young Black Catholics from across the state to celebrate and affirm their faith, culture and the gifts they bring to the Catholic Church.
During this event, Leblanc teaches through an array of musical genres. His songs include contemplative hymns, energetic gospel music and heartfelt spirituals—a style that arose from enslaved people seeking solace and empowerment through music that entwines the stories of the Bible with the experience of living in bondage. Leblanc uses traditional and contemporary music to connect to people and educate youth on their faith and history, giving them an outlet of prayer and authentic religious expression.
Leblanc says,
That’s the wonderful part of it—getting to emphasize to these young people that they can use music to praise God and get closer to Him.
Leblanc’s reverence for God is reflected in his love and care for his community. He is thankful for the people God has put in his life. “He’s done so much, and He continues to do so much, even at times when we don’t realize it,” he said.
Catholic Extension Society is honored to share the accomplishments of Francis Leblanc, a finalist for the 2022-2023 Lumen Christi Award. Visit this page to read the other inspiring stories from this year’s finalists.
