Father Benny Piovan, former pastor of Ascension of Our Lord Church in LaPlace and current the pastor of Saltillo Mission San Miguel announced that he has broken ground on the construction of a new chapel to serve two Barrios in his parish that have no chapel at the present time.

The two barrios, named Nueva Revolucion and Hipodromo, will use the new chapel, which has already been named Los Nuevos Martires Mexicanos or The New Mexican martyrs for those who died during the new revolution of the year 1910-1935. “What a way to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the revolution,” Piovan said.

The ground breaking and blessing took place on Aug. 15, with a Mass under a tent at the site of the new Chapel.

The two barrios are the newest and fastest growing barrios in the area and are situated in the middle of the poorest section of Saltillo. “We expect this area to explode with people in the near future, and with other religions already in the area, I felt a sense of urgency to start this little chapel for the people of the Barrios, “ he explained.

The proposed cost of the new Chapel is estimated to be around $55,000, and Piovan said he does not have sufficient funding at the present time to complete the project. “But the good Lord will provide, and with the intercession of Padre Patricio Quinn and with the help of our family and friends, we will be able to complete this worthwhile project for the poorest people of Saltillo,” Piovan stated. “There is no question that we will need help, and I am appealing for help maybe now or in the future to assist me with financing the needs of the mission,” he said.

“The future of the Mission here depends on the people of Mississippi and Louisiana. We cannot do it alone. Rest assured you have my prayers and the prayers of these poor, humble, simple and faith-rich people of the Mexican desert among whom I’m privileged to live and minister,” Piovan said.

Piovan has served in many roles in his years as a priest and now he is a builder. Presently under construction is a new San Miguel Church, which will have its dedication on Oct. 2. Piovan officially retired” from the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2006 and now is the pastor of a Parish that is larger than many dioceses in the United States.

“I have never been as happy in my life,” Piovan said.

Those interested in helping Father Piovan with the cost of the new Chapel can send a check to Ascension of Our Lord Parish, noting that it is for the Saltillo Mission.

Those wishing to contact Piovan can do so at

bennyinmex@yahoo.com.