Many new Catholics experience the satisfaction of looking back and seeing the beauty of how the pieces of their story fit together for their entry into the church.

For the second time in seven months, a sister of St. Joseph of Baton Rouge has been "dubbed royalty" with a tierra and sash to mark her 100th birthday.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge joined in the Catholic Church's celebration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ beginning on Holy Thursday, April 2, through Easter Sunday, April 5.

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.

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.