In today's world, as people spread the Gospel message, people may rebuff them and demand to "show me the reason for your hope." Catechesis and evangelization require a knowledge and love of the Lord that speaks of a hope rooted in trust and confidence in God.

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina taught people unforgettable lessons about how fragile life is and how strong human and community bonds can be in response. The Baton Rouge community gathered to remember, give thanks, and share messages of hope during a service hosted by the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton (IFGBR).

During this Jubilee Year of Hope people may abandon their journeys or wander off because of the need for healing. Defeatist thoughts such as, "I can't," "This situation (or person) will never change," and "I need a quick fix" can lead them into being spiritually stuck. Spiritual direction and healing retreats can help these people break through such barriers to freedom.

As New Orleans sat in the bullseye of Hurricane Katrina, which loomed as a Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, highways were jammed with people fleeing the area. Archbishop Emeritus Alfred C. Hughes, then Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, evacuated to St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict.

Each year, hundreds of people stop by to light a candle and kneel to pray at the Chapel of the Madonna, known as "the smallest church in the world." Several share stories of God’s mighty power in answering the prayers they offered to him there.

Crowned with a tiara and wearing a sash emblazoned with the words “100 & fabulous,” Sister Anna Schellhaas CSJ emerged with her fellow Sisters of St. Joseph after morning prayer. With her luminous trademark smile she greeted the many people gathered at the Hundred Oaks Center in Baton Rouge to celebrate her centennial birthday, which was Aug. 9.

Each day, the St. Vincent de Paul Society buzzes with activity. Staff and volunteers feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, make sure people don’t have to choose between eating and filling their life-saving prescriptions, and provide help for obtaining employment.

Sister Helen Prejean CSJ echoes St. Bonaventure’s words of wisdom by challenging others to, “Ask not for wisdom. Ask for the fire.” She advocates for the abolition of the death penalty and ministers to the “forgotten of society” in prisons.

Youth attending The Franciscan Experience (TFE) expressed that “everything” was the highlight of their week – including toiling in the graveyard, engaging in deep theological discussions, and hanging out at night.

At the dawning of this new school year, teachers are called to the missionary work of caring for their students through educating them and accompanying them during life issues.

Sister Kathleen Bahlinger CSJ and Sister Lory Schaff CSJ, both deceased, devoted 23 years of their lives ministering in the Eden Park community in Baton Rouge. They walked the streets and provided people with material assistance, an education, and hope.

Brother Lazarus (Phillip) Gordy’s OSB lifelong quest to answer God’s calling for his life led him to the altar at St. Joseph Abbey Church near Covington. There he “died to self” and found a deep joy and freedom through his life as a benedictine Monk.

As director of adult formation and spiritual director at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant, Wendy Enloe ministers to many people who are struggling with the worries and concerns in their lives. People come to her who are dealing with terminal illness, death of a loved one, loss of a job, concerns about world events, etc.

Through her own personal experiences and conversations with other parents, Dr. Holly Taylor Coolman discovered that raising children involves combining daily activities and the big picture idea. As a theologian and a parent who is “also figuring it out,” she shares her wisdom through writing books and speaking about the “complex and beautiful vocation of raising children.”

Dr. Tina Holland has made split-second decisions to say ‘Yes,’ during her life that have provided positive, meaningful experiences which she utilizes to help others cultivate successful, faith-filled lives.

Death is not merely a physical cessation of life, but an intersecting of the physical and spiritual realms, according to Catholic teachings. People filled the Westerfield Center in Baton Rouge to find out more about end-of-life issues in a presentation by Dr. Christoper Ragusa.

When Father Brent Maher arrived at St. Agnes Church in 2020, the staff quickly took him to the church’s cafeteria and said, “We need a roof.”

On June 14, Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Father Huy Duc Tran and Father Josh Zelden the priesthood of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The new priest’s families and friends packed St. Joseph Cathedral for the ordination Mass.

Father Huy Duc Tran, 29, entered college at LSU with dreams about the diverse experiences of college life he would have and landing a successful career.