The Office of Black Catholics of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is sponsoring an African American Mass this Saturday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge.

Bishop Michael G. Duca celebrates Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Madonna Chapel in Bayou Goula on Aug. 15. Standing besides Bishop Duca is Father Jason Palermo. The chapel, known to many as “the smallest church in the world,” was built in 1903 by Tony Gullo in thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother for his child’s recovery from a serious illness. Constructed of Louisiana cypress, the church measures 9’ x 9’ and will only accommodate a few people at a time. Shortly after completion in 1903, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and became a tradition which continues today. Every year worshippers assemble on the front lawn of the chapel for the special annual Mass. Each year, the statue is adorned with jewelry that over the years has been offered in thanksgiving. Through the years donations and fundraisers have provided the necessary funds for upkeep. Photo provided by Donna Carville

Bishop Michael G. Duca, center, ordained four permanent deacons during ceremonies Aug. 13 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The newly ordained deacons, from left: Deacon Tram Phan, Deacon Randall Waguespack, Bishop Duca, Deacon Edward Hanks and Deacon Patrick Witty.

Bishop Michael G. Duca installed Father James Singarayar HGN as administrator of Holy Family Church in Port Allen on Aug. 7. Bishop Duca symbolically presents Father Singarayar the keys to Holy Family. ​​​​​​​Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Bishop Michael G. Duca, right, holds the key to Sacred Heart Church in Baton Rouge as he prepares to hand it over to Father Josh Johnson. Father Johnson was installed as the 12th pastor at Sacred Heart on Aug. 6. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Many of us are familiar with an often-quoted line from T.S. Eliot: “The last temptation is the greatest treason; to do the right deed for the wrong reason.”

If you read any national Catholic publications like National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Visitor or America Magazine, you may have seen that Pope Francis reimposed restrictions on the use of the Latin Mass that was celebrated prior to Vatican II.

Nearly three decades ago, several thousand people representing a diversity of ethnicities filed into the F.G. Clark Activity Center at Southern University to attend the African American Catholic Homecoming Mass and celebration of family.

Now is typically the time of year when people inquire about and enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

On some of father’s vestments I have noticed a pelican.  Was this symbol taken from our Louisiana state flag that has a mother pelican feeding its chicks with its own blood?

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University launched a critical new chapter in its growing development Aug. 2 when eight members of FranU’s new spiritual direction program attended their first class.

Rain fell and thunder rumbled as educators from the Diocese of Baton Rouge arrived at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Baton Rouge on Aug. 2.

Father Robert Marcell is fondly remembered by priests and laity for his novel approach to catechizing others and having them evangelize others with the Gospel message.

Are my eyes fixed on the Lord, always and in all ways? The 20th and 21st Sunday Mass readings in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) call to mind the importance of focusing our gaze on God in the midst of persecution, obstacles and trials.

One of the smartest things students entering the new academic year can do is call upon patron saints for pointers and support to have a successful school year.

Poverty and violence in parts of Honduras have stripped families of their ability to meet basic needs. 

Students in Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge ended their summer hiatus and started returning to the classrooms on Aug. 8. At St. Francis Xavier School in Baton Rouge students make their way to their classrooms. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Oregon, La. teens gather