On March 31, priests, religious, and laity filled St. Joseph Cathedral to capacity as the Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated its annual Chrism Mass, held each year during Holy Week. During the ancient Mass, holy oils were blessed which richly signify God’s grace, the Holy Spirit’s presence, and strength being poured out onto the faithful and into the world. These oils are used in several sacraments throughout the year. The priests of the diocese also renewed their sacred vows.

On Palm Sunday, March 29, the Catholic Church began its observance of Holy Week with the commemoration of Jesus' triumphant arrival in Jerusalem. The churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge marked the occasion with processions of palms and the reading of Christ's Passion. At St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge the congregation gathered outdoors to begin the procession and proceeded into the church. Pictured is Father Michael Alello blessing the palm branches. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Baton Rouge, LA – Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University proudly celebrated the inauguration of David M. Bellar, Ph.D., as its fifth president on March 26, 2026, at St. Joseph Cathedral, marking a historic moment in the university’s continued growth and mission-driven future.

As we prepare to enter Holy Week, we prepare to enter the central liturgical experience of the Catholic faith, according to Father Tom Ranzino. Father Ranzino is the director of the office of worship of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

After many years of absence, St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge’s (SMHS) St. Joseph Altar resumed this year with strong support from students.

On March 7, more than 200 middle school students in grades 6-8 in the Diocese of Baton Rouge gathered for the second annual ARISE Middle School Rally. The event was held at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in Greenwell Springs.

Bishop Duca is excited to announce the new Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools will be Ms. Jill Grabert. Her official start date will be July 1, 2026.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the Rite of Election for the Latino/Hispanic community March 8 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The ceremony is an important step for people preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) and Children (OCIC) programs. The catechumens, or unbaptized people, who are now the elect, and candidates, or baptized people, are now in their final preparation phase, known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This phase will end with their reception of the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. During this service a total of 136 people (102 candidates and 34 elect) pledged their desire to enter the Catholic Church. According to the Office of Worship of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, the overall number of catechumens and candidates who attended the three Rites of Elections this year increased by 194 from last year. The elect were called forth to the sanctuary before Bishop Michael G. Duca and were recognized. The godparents and assembly gave their affirmation. The candidates pledged their call to continuing conversion. Photos by Victor Lopez

Simple moments have been the most memorable and treasured ones for Jacob and Oceania Scardina over their 70 years of marriage.

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the desert and facing our weaknesses and failures during Lent may tempt us to retreat to our comfort zone. Thoughts of "this is too hard," or "surely God didn't mean for me to go through this" may cause us to give up. Formation directors in the Diocese of Baton Rouge urge us to persevere if we want victory in our spiritual lives.

Catholic High School (CHS) possesses the coveted Challenge Week trophy and is on a quest for a "three-peat" in its highly anticipated annual rivalry against St. Joseph Academy (SJA). SJA is looking to block that attempt and take back the trophy. The winner will be the less fortunate who are served by the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank (GBRFB).

In a rare alignment of calendars, Lent and the Muslim holy penitential season Ramadan began on the same day and are coinciding this year. Vatican officials and clergy of the Diocese of Baton Rouge urge the faithful to use this opportunity to pray for world peace.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the Rite of Election on Feb. 22 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The ceremony is an important step for people preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) and Children (OCIC) programs. The catechumens, or unbaptized people, who are now the elect, and candidates, or baptized people, are now in their final preparation phase, known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This phase will end with their reception of the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. A total of 606 people (375 candidates and 231 elect) pledged their desire to enter the Catholic Church. The elect were called forth to the sanctuary before Bishop Michael G. Duca and were recognized. The godparents and assembly gave their affirmation. The candidates pledged their call to continuing conversion. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

The Catholic Church celebrated the feast day of St. Blaise on Feb. 3. St. Blaise was a fourth-century physician and bishop of Sebastea in Armenia (modern-day Turkey) who became a martyr and healer. According to tradition, St. Blaise was on his way to prison when he encountered a child choking on a fish bone. St. Blaise touched the boy's throat and dislodged the bone, saving his life. That miracle prompted his patronage of throat health, leading to the Feb. 3 blessing of the throats with crossed candles. Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge joined other churches worldwide in this tradition. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Graduates of the schools in the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge are known for influencing society worldwide by leading, serving, and sharing the Gospel Message. The Diocese of Baton Rouge recognized the excellence of some of these alumni in its annual Distinguished Graduates Awards Dinner on Jan. 26.

Hundreds of people braved a cold morning despite ominous reports of an impending winter storm and affirmed their love for mothers and their unborn babies at Louisiana Life March South.

Bishop Michael G. Duca announced that priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge will take part in their annual retreat February 2–5, 2026, at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Grand Coteau. During this time, some weekday Masses and funeral Mass schedules may be adjusted, and the faithful are asked for their prayers and understanding as priests focus on spiritual renewal.

Sisters of St. Joseph Kathleen Babin, Anna Schellhaas, Evelyn Mee, and Dianne Fanguy have devoted a combined 295 years to serving the "dear neighbor" in the church.