Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, invited the faithful to unite in fasting and prayer

A place called "Mary, Queen of Apostles Chapel" has opened on Poche Road in Ponchatoula, within the territory of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. It falsely claims to be a Catholic place of prayer, and as such, Bishop Michael G. Duca has issued the following statement.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge’s Women’s Giving Circle culminated its inaugural year May 5 with a Mass and gift presentation luncheon in $73,000 was distributed among six non-profit organizations. The Women’s Giving Circle seeks to promote philanthropy that glorifies God, empowers women and compels action. The organization’s goal is to minister to the needs within the Diocese of Baton Rouge and their patron saint, St. Katharine Drexel.

The leak related to the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reminds us of the urgent need for prayer and action at this pivotal moment in our country’s history.

God speaks through a variety of mediums, perhaps none as stunningly beautiful as Catholic art. Through artwork, God’s self-revelation and salvation history is communicated, said Jordan Haddad, co-founder of the St. Louis IX Art Society (SL9), said.

The Hispanic Apostolate held its reenactment of the Passion on Good Friday in the parking lot of St. Pius X Church in Baton Rouge. Hispanic community members participate in the reenactment, which is always emotional and heart-wrenching, as well as one of the most spiritually moving in the area. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Bishop Michael Duca is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mary Patricia “Pattie” Davis as the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, a position she will assume on June 1, 2022. Since 2019, Dr. Davis has been the President and CEO of the Mt. St. Mary Academy and Foundation in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Bishop Michael G. Duca leads the rosary at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge on March 25. The bishop joined Pope Francis in praying an Act of Consecration to entrust Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at St. Joseph on Friday, the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Following the rosary, Bishop Duca made the consecration. Priests throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge prayed the rosary at their respective churches at 10:45 a.m., joining Bishop Duca in the unity of prayer. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator 

Bishop Michael G. Duca will join Pope Francis in praying an Act of Consecration to entrust Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at St. Joseph Cathedral Friday, March 25, 2022, the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

WASHINGTON –  New Roads native Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has been appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, 75, from pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Louisville and appointed  Bishop Fabre as his successor. 

Bishop Michael G. Duca announced the appointment of Father Jamin David as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in a letter addressed to priests, deacons and the Catholic Life Center Community on Jan. 28.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge will host its annual Catholic Schools Week celebration January 30 to February 5, 2022.

Bishop Michael G. Duca addressed more than 30 people who braved frigid temperatures and the threat of wintry weather Thursday night to attend the first of nine listening sessions responding to Pope Francis’ call to engage in a synodal process titled “Toward a Synodal Church” Communion, Participation, Mission.” The majority of those in attendance at St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany commented on the synod’s three sections, and Bishop Duca offered his thoughts at the end of the gatherings. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

A series of listening sessions in the Diocese of Baton Rouge responding to Pope Francis’ call to engage in a synodal process titled “Toward a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,” is scheduled to launch Jan. 20 at St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Parish Hall in Albany. 

After 13 years of service as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Dr. Melanie B. Palmisano, will be stepping down from her position effective June 30, 2022.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” containing “the whole spiritual good of the church, namely Christ himself(no. 1324).” Perhaps it’s not surprising  the church earnestly looks for effective ways to promote this teaching and to counter those who ignore or work against it.

The annual and always immensely popular Turkey Carving Contest was held Nov. 24 at the St. Vincent de Paul Society dining room in Baton Rouge. Bishop Michael G. Duca dropped in for a visit.

BALTIMORE ‑ The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops voted overwhelmingly to accept the document “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church" during the morning session of the fall USCCB meeting on Nov. 17.  The vote, which is held in a secret electronic ballot, was 222 in favor to eight against, with three abstentions.

Given declining infection rates not only in the Greater Baton Rouge Area but throughout Louisiana, I am now modifying several of our practices based upon medical advice, wisdom, and recommendations from state leaders.  

Fr. Josh Johnson, Diocese of Baton Rouge Director of Vocations and priest, debuted his first video on the biggest Catholic YouTube channel on Oct. 19, 2021.