A celebrity visited Coushatta this week, but this man has not been in movies or on TV; he is on a mission to serve God.

Joe Domina, known as Backpacker Joe, has spent the past few days in Coushatta. This young man turned 30 years old a few days ago. Joe is on an extraordinary mission, walking across America, praying for the nation’s well-being. He walks, prays, and attends Mass in each city he visits. In videos posted to the Facebook page Where Is #backpackerjoe?, Joe discusses that he is taking this journey to make reparation for his own sins, pray for America and the people of this country, and help the people he meets to trust in Divine providence. This journey began at the Statue of Liberty. Armed with only a basic flip phone
and fueled by faith, he visits Catholic shrines and attends Mass in every town he passes through. He is making his way to California.

Joe has been stopped for hours by people along this journey. Each person has the opportunity to pray with him. His prayers for healing and compassion have resonated with everyone who has spent time with him. The people of Coushatta have shown generosity to Joe at every step of his walk through this parish. Some have given food, shelter, advice on his journey, signs of encouragement along his route, and other forms of kindness. Joe will be going through the northern parts of the parish on his way to Bossier on Highway 71.