On Aug. 2, 1924, during a sweltering heat wave, Father W. J. Teurlings, then pastor of St. John’s Cathedral in Lafayette, issued a statement to the newspapers: “At the Cathedral a special Novena will be held for rain. … In view of the urgency of the need a large attendance is anticipated.” To add even more to the chances of a shower, Father Teurlings made another announcement: “There wil...