The annual Way of the Cross hosted by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and St. Joseph Cathedral returned after a two-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The procession began at St. Joseph Cathedral and traveled a 14-station route throughout the Capitol grounds and returned to the Cathedral. The Way of the Cross highlighted the sufferings of the world today through the poor, abandoned, abused, ill and homeless. Bishop Michael G. Duca participated and led participants in opening and closing prayers. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Father Tom Clark SJ, pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Baton Rouge, and Father Chris Kellerman SJ wash the feet of parishioners during the celebration of the Holy Thursday Mass on the evening of April 14. Holy Thursday is the first day of the Triduum, leading up to Easter. Parishes throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the moving Holy Thursday Mass. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Bishop MIchael G. Duca pours holy oil that he would also bless during the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 12 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The bishop also led a recommitment ceremony for diocesan priests. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Church parishes in the Diocese of Baton Rouge joined Catholic churches throughout the world in celebrating Palm Sunday on April 10. Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Pictured with their palm branches held high at a Palm Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge are Bourgeois Family members, from left, Gabe, Natalie, Chloe and Mike. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

For the first service of Easter in the Catholic Church we are instructed the Easter Vigil should begin in the darkness of night.

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic we are all tired and want it over.  And now we have a war in Ukraine which is causing oppression, suffering and world-wide sadness.

Angst will often pierce the heart of Lisa Namikas as she watches gut-wrenching scenes from Ukraine, where Russia has been staging an invasion for the past month.

As Catholic Daughters of Americas Court Regina Coeli 2063 of St. Jude Church in Baton Rouge prepares to commemorate its 50th anniversary in July, it is celebrating the myriad of opportunities it provides for women to develop their God-given talents in meaningful ways that positively influence the welfare of the church and community.

In the (March 25) edition of The Catholic Commentator, you mentioned there were other ways to pray the Stations of the Cross.  What are those alternatives?

St. Paul the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge hosted a penance service on March 23 at 6 p.m. Participating in the hearing of confessions were, front row from left, Father Bob Stine, retired;  Father Miles Walsh, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge;  Father David Allen, retired;  Father Arockiam Arockiam SVD, pastor of St. Paul; and back row, Father Tim Watson CSsR, Hispanic Minstry and in residence at of St. Gerard Majella Church in Baton Rouge; Father Tom Clark SJ, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Scotlandville; and Father Paul Counce, retired. Photo provided by Desiree Terrell | St. Paul the Apostle Church

While the Louisiana Legislature mulls a pair of bills that would eliminate the death penalty, the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement reiterating its emphatic stance against capital punishment.

Dr. Pattie Davis has spent a lifetime in the classroom, teaching at every level in Catholic education from elementary through high school, along with serving in various administrative roles, including superintendent positions in two dioceses.

Holy Week is here. The actual journey to Calvary, part of God’s plan for salvation, actually begins with the fall in Eden and continues with the last breath of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection.

As scenes of utter chaos and destruction unfold in the Ukraine, the Ukrainian faithful know they can find shelter and comfort in the veil of Mary, particularly under the title of Our Lady of Theotokos, which means “Bearer” or “Mother of God.” 

Is “what have I done or failed to do” really a sin? 

A standing room only crowd at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge united with Catholics worldwide on March 25 to pray for peace in Ukraine.