Very bizarre. Only one of two explanations seems possible? Either those particular hosts were not consecrated, or were previously consecrated but not kept in the tabernacle for some reason, apparently a grave sacrilege. I’ve been to many N.O. parishes, some pretty bad, but never saw anything like you describe. Sorry to say, but the fact of the priest being well-respected in the diocese really doesn’t mean much.
If it were not for sparing your Mom’s feelings, I would encourage you strongly to write to the Bishop, simply describing the situation as you saw it, like you did for us here, for his information and consideration. Ordinarily I would even say you might have a responsibility to do so, but in this case respect for your Mom’s feelings and also her having to get along with people there comes into play. However, I’m glad you posted this, we need to keep raising awareness of what the Holy Father called (and he wasn’t exaggerating!) “deformations.”
If it were not for sparing your Mom’s feelings, I would encourage you strongly to write to the Bishop, simply describing the situation as you saw it, like you did for us here, for his information and consideration.
Ahhhhh ... this is Albany - Bishop Hubbard country. The pastor of this parish, though 'orthodox', is one of his right hand men. The Bishop has already heard from me in the past regarding liturgical abuse at another parish. In that particular instance, I won! But it was just the beginning because there were other abuses as well.
This evening's NO Mass was a reminder of why I joined a Maronite Catholic parish. These situations simply do not, nor can they, develop. Communion is by intinction and only on the tongue. There are no EMHCs nor communion in the hand. The priest is in total control of the Divine Liturgy. Though small in size, this parish is large in its rich tradition that pre-dates the Traditional Latin Mass.