One year after a global pandemic shut down public gatherings during Holy Week and Easter Sunday, churches in the diocese of Baton Rouge opened under guidelines issued by Bishop Michael G. Duca. The protocols for Holy Week as well as the triduum, which are considered the “holiest three days” of the liturgical year, were similar to what had been issued by the Holy See, according to Episcopal Vicar Father Jamin David.

Father Jason Palermo, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in French Settlement and St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Maurepas, baptizes eight-year-old Jackson Harper during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Joseph on April 3. Churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge were able to celebrate the Easter Vigil this year, albeit with some protocols in place, after being able to do so in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Easter Vigil celebration is generally considered as one of the most beautiful Masses of the year. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Father Toni Thomas IMS, administrator at St. Jules Church in Belle Rose and St. Elizabeth Church in Paincourtville, leads the Stations of the Cross walk on Good Friday.

Father Chris Decker, Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Grosse Tête, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Maringouin, and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Livonia, reposes the Blessed Sacrament at the conclusion of The Mass of the Lord's Supper at St. Frances Cabrini Church. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator.