A book on Monsignor Earl V. Provenza’s life has been released

Special to 318 Forum

Busy, Busy For the Lord," self-titled by Monsignor Earl Vincent Provenza, is the life story of his priesthood of 60 years.

The story delves into the many hats he has worn and was told to Mary Ann Van Osdell, a local journalist and “318 Forum” columnist, who self-published it.

Provenza has been a Knights of Columbus camp director, scrub technician, firefighter, chauffeur, barber, marathon runner and cook. His Italian sauce recipe is included in the book.

He has served as a chaplain to the Louisiana State Police, sheriffs, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Reserves, Knights of Columbus and Mardi Gras krewes.

He discusses close calls and temptations, beginning with childhood and in the seminary.

Chapters include "You Know Me" about Miss USA 1958 from Bossier City, performing five sacraments in the same church on the same day, missions to Ukraine in the 1990s, the renovation of St. John Berchmans, planning Pope John Paull II's visit to New Orleans and sayings that have helped in his priesthood. Another one is about being an undertaker, a funeral director, transporter of the body, a grave digger and presider of the funeral.

It ends with a list of his favorite things. "Mary Ann would tell me I have interesting stories and say, ‘Tell me a story.’ She would say, ‘Tell me another one.’ Before we knew it, there were enough for a book," Provenza said.

His church assignments ranged from Shreveport-Bossier City, Monroe to Alexandria, and Mansura to Zwolle. He was named monsignor on June 10, 1989, and fully retired, but not really, on July 2, 2018. He is still busy, busy for the Lord, performing funerals and filling in for priests.

The book is available at Grace and Mercy Gifts, 6425 Line Ave. and St. John's.