Text transcribed from caption: C-46003 ANNUAL MASS AT ‘SMALLEST’ CHURCH BAYOU GOULA, La. -- Worshippers gather outside the Chapel of the Madonna, which is probably the smallest church in the world, for Mass on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the only time during the year in which the church is used. The tiny nine-by-nine foot structure, located in Bayou Goula, a community 24 miles from Louisiana’s state capital at Baton Rouge, is so small that in addition to its altar, only a priest and an altar boy can fit inside. The approximately 200 worshippers who annually attend the Mass on the Feast of the Assumption must assemble on the front lawn of the tiny chapel and the altar must be moved outside. The chapel, which has been featured in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not,” was built in 1903 by Anthony Gullo, a poor immigrant Italian sugarcane famer. When Gullo’s son was gravely ill he promised to erect, as far as he was able, a chapel to the Madonna if she interceded for the youth. The boy did recover and Gullo kept his promise with the help of friends who assisted in building the tiny building amid sugarcane fields near the Mississippi River. By 1932, the original building had deteriorated and was replaced by the present one of the same size. Today it remains a simple, well-kept frame building with only a small cross and an arched doorway to distinguish it as a church. However, the more elaborate interior has paintings of saints and an alcove holding a glass-enclosed replica of Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna.” Years ago people seeking favors gave valuable jewelry when their prayers were answered, but this custom has long since ended. However, today about 70 jeweled pieces still adorn the blue sash annually placed on the chapel’s statue of the Madonna for the feast day Mass. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (L-BR-9B-74-DS)