The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Baton Rouge held its annual Count Your Blessings Supper – To Geaux! on March 14 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge. Chef John Folse (left) prepared a Lenten soup of bisque of spinach, artichoke, and crab. Entertaining guests with song and conversation as they drove through to pick up their meals were, from left, Folse, Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench, Bishop Michael G. Duca, and John Pastorek of Channel 2, WBRZ. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

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.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge held its Rite of Election at St. Joseph Cathedral on March 9. There are 412 people (166 elect, or unbaptized individuals, and 246 candidates, or baptized individuals) scheduled to enter the church during Easter Vigil Masses at parishes in the diocese. Photos by Nicole Jones | Digital Media Manager Diocese of 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.

The liturgical season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, March 5. During Lent Catholics practice fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as a time of reflection and penitence in preparation for Easter. The season is considered a time of spiritual renewal focused on Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. Churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge were filled with people gathered to receive the distribution of ashes on their foreheads. At St. Joseph Cathedral Bishop Michael G. Duca and Father Cary Bani, pastor of the cathedral, celebrated Mass, during which ashes were distributed. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

The Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office hosted its Annual Arts and Talent Showcase on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Catholic Life Center Ballroom. Attendees of the event perused through various mediums of art and listened to music performed by diocesan schools, including St. Michael the Archangel High School in Baton Rouge, St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Hammond, Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge, and Redemptorist St. Gerard School in Baton Rouge. The showcase is traditionally held during Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, but was postponed due to a winter storm that blanketed the state with snow.

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.

On Feb. 16, 2025 Bishop Michael G. Duca celebrated with the Baton Rouge Order of Discalced Carmelites Secular its 40th anniversary in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The event was held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge. The original celebration was held with then Bishop Stanley J. Ott on Feb. 16, 1985. The OCDS was granted "canonical status" on Nov. 14, 1984, but the celebration was scheduled when Bishop Ott and the OCDS’ provincial and his delegate could attend. Pictured with Bishop Duca is Frances Locker, OCDS, one of the order’s original members in Baton Rouge. Frances related some of the order’s history so Bishop Duca would get to know them better. The bishop blessed the brochures they printed and plan to distribute in parishes. Those interested in joining the OCDS can email DiscalcedCarmelitesBatonRouge@gmail.com or visit discalcedcarmelitesofbatonrouge.com. Photos provided by Frances Locker

For the past couple of years, the Men of the Immaculata (MOTI) conferences have focused on the Eucharist as the source and summit of the faith. At this year’s conference, the men will be “sent out” to proclaim the Gospel.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Board of Trustees announces the appointment of David M. Bellar as the fifth President of the University after a national search. He will assume his new role on July 14, 2025.

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.

The theme of the 2025 National Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 26 – Feb. 1, was “United in Faith and Community.” On Jan. 29, the schools of the Baton Rouge Diocese joined together at St. Joseph Cathedral to celebrate the week as one community of faith, centered on the Eucharist.

On January 27, the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Baton Rouge recognized its students as well as the educator, administrator, and pastor who have excelled in serving their community and living the Gospel values at the 2025 Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner.

On Feb. 3, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. It is said the governor of Cappadocia imprisoned St. Blaise in a cave outside Sebaste. A mother came to the bishop, asking him to cure her son, who was choking on the fishbone, stuck in his throat. St. Blaise saved the boy with his prayer and with the sign of the cross. Therefore, St. Blaise is known as the patron saint of throat illnesses, wool combers, and animals. Many churches celebrate the feast day with a blessing of the throats. Parishioners and students at Our Lady of Mercy Church and School in Baton Rouge received the blessings after the day’s Masses. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

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.

Sts. Anthony of Padua and Le Van Phung Church in Baton Rouge celebrated the Vietnamese Lunar New Year on the weekend of January 25-26. Bishop Michael G. Duca and Vicar General Jamin David joined the church community in the festivities, which included music, fireworks, food, dance, and rickshaw rides. Photos provided by Father Jamin David

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.