When white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on May 8, thousands flocked to St. Peter’s square. They were filled with elation at the announcement "Habemus Papam!" (“We have a pope!”). Those emotions were topped with surprise that the first American pope had been elected with Pope Leo XIV.

Catholics were powerfully present at the Louisiana State Capitol in terms of numbers of attendees and their commitment to stand up for social justice issues during this year’s Faithful Citizenship Day.

Ashton Kennedy was drawn to the Catholic Church but held back from entering because of unanswered questions. But with the support of family members who had entered the church and a "posthumous nudge" from Father Mark Beard to “get off the fence,” Kennedy took the leap of faith.

People in the Diocese of Baton Rouge gathered at their church parishes for an intense time of prayer during Holy Week and the Triduum, which culminated in the celebration of Easter. The week began with Palm Sunday processionals on Palm Sunday. Photo by Debbie Shelley |The Catholic Commentator. At the Chrism Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, Bishop Michael G. Duca blessed the sacred oils for the upcoming year and the priests renewed their priestly vows. Photo by Nicole Jones. On Holy Thursday at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge, Father Arockiam Arockiam SVD, pastor, kissed the feet of representatives of the parish in the ceremony commemorating Jesus’ washing of the disciple’s feet. Photo by Desiree Spann. On Good Friday, people remembered the plight of the homeless and marginalized during a Way of the Cross sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photo by Debbie Shelley. At Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs, Father Matthew Graham, pastor, baptized people entering the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Masses. Photos by Taylor Edwards Photography

Churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge kicked off Holy Week on April 13 with jubilant Palm Sunday processions. The congregations waved their palm branches and declared “hosanna” to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

When homeless women discover they are pregnant they are often scared and don’t know where to go for help. The structured and supportive environment at Sanctuary for Life allows these women to set and achieve personal goals in work, school, and life. Their fears are then replaced with hope.

Many parents avoid talking to their children and teens about sex and contraception because they feel uneasy talking about the topic or think, “my child would never …” The realities of today, however, show that if they don’t talk about it, their children will learn from other sources parents may not trust.

Women in crisis pregnancy situations have a critical need to know they are not alone. Walking with Moms in Need travels with them so they can care for their children and see possibilities for their futures.

When people stroll through the St. Joseph cemetery, with its gnarled moss-covered oak trees, is they are browsing through the pages of an “open history book.” Stories emerge of the society, culture, families, and people which have shaped the Baton Rouge area. The 200th anniversary of the cemetery is being celebrated with events scheduled throughout this year.

This year’s Men of the Immaculata Conference challenged men to accompany people broken by sin and spread the Gospel message in a country in which many reject God.

People interested in or actively involved in prison ministry learned about serving “the whole ecclesial body of Christ” during a day of fellowship and formation on Feb. 22. The Diocese of Baton Rouge Office of Life, Peace, and Justice sponsored the event, which took place at St. George Church in Baton Rouge.

As a pastor and confessor, Father Joshua Johnson, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge, helps penitents identify their core vices. By addressing those vices, they can find freedom from them. This fueled his desire to give people a practical tool to do this on their own, motivating him to write “The Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins.”

Norris “Ted” Melancon, Jr., 96, and his wife, Jane Witty Melancon, 93, have lived life abundantly with many cherished memories of family, faith, and friends. They continue making memories in their marriage as they celebrate their 76th wedding anniversary this year. They were recognized during a special Mass held by the Diocese of Baton Rouge at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge.

Liturgical musicians Dr. Darrell and Dr. Darnell St. Romain, African American twins, hold different positions and sets of expertise within the church. Yet they have the same passion for helping parishes become vibrant faith communities through music.

Early in the morning on January 20, about 400 youth and adults departed on buses from various points in the Baton Rouge diocese for a pilgrimage to the nation’s capital.

Crowned with a tiara and wearing a sash, Lorraine Metternich Bourg was the “queen” of her family and friends gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday on Feb. 2. The neighborhood was packed with cars, and an overflow crowd of people mingled in her home and the front and back yards.

Days after nearly 8 inches of snow fell in Baton Rouge during a record-breaking winter storm for Louisiana, hundreds of people marched at the state capitol area for the unborn. The theme of the January 26 Louisiana Life March South event was “Every Life Worth Living.”

Couples bearing the cross of infertility can receive a Valentine’s Day Weekend gift in the midst of their struggles during a Springs in the Desert Ministry Retreat.

Bishop Michael G. Duca selected the episcopal motto “Hope in the Lord” when he received his first appointment as bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport. This motto has an apropos connection with this Jubilee Year of Hope’s emphasis on trusting in God’s promises and future heavenly reward during times of suffering.