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Father Waesberghe Comes
Father Blanc’s successor was Very Rev. Aloise Van Waesberghe, who served from July 1, 1903, to April 6,1906. He was born in Eccloo, Belgium, on April 17, 1856. He was ordained in Malines on May 22, 1880, after having completed his theological course at the American college at Louvain. He came to the diocese in December of the same year and it is interesting to note that his first, as well as his last, Mass in the diocese was celebrated in Bay St. Louis. He spent nine years on the mission of Hancock and Harrison counties, in addition to his work in other parts of the state. He was pastor of Pass Christian from 1896 to 1903. On July 1, 1903 he became pastor of Bay St. Louis.
Father Aloise, as he was affectionately called, was loved by the people of the Bay. His excellent work in the diocese in general, and in this parish in particular drew the attention of Bishop Heslin, and Father Aloise was made honorary canon and dean of the Mississippi coast - honors which were enjoyed by his illustrious predecessors, Father LeDuc and Father Blanc.
His untimely death on Friday, April 6,1906, caused universal sorrow. Father Aloise was buried beside his predecessor in the vault reserved for priests in St. Mary’s cemetery.