Diocese of Baton Rouge to Participate in 'Jubilee of Prisoners'

On Dec. 14 the Church will culminate the Jubilee Year of Hope with a “Jubilee of Prisoners”. The Diocese of Baton Rouge and its prison ministry join this worldwide event and remember the millions of people affected by incarceration including victims of crime, prisoners, prison staff, police officers, prison ministry volunteers, former prisoners re-entering society, and families of the incarcerated.

A Jubilee Year is a special period of grace in the Catholic Church occurring every twenty-five years so that every generation can experience this time of spiritual renewal. Pope Francis officially opened the Jubilee Year of Hope on Christmas Eve 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter Basilica and two days later linked the Jubilee Year to the intentions of prison ministries worldwide by opening a Holy Door to Rome’s Rebibbia Prison where hundreds of prisoners, police officers, chaplains and volunteers filled the room.

 Our prison ministry continues to grow in its desire to serve prisoners, and all affected by crime and incarceration. From the celebration of the Mass to visiting those behind bars and in Death Row, weekend retreats, Bible studies, OCIA classes and the Sacraments of initiation, our priests, chaplains, deacons and volunteers live the call to “be mindful of those in prison, as though you were imprisoned with them” (Hebrews 13:3). We welcome new volunteers and hope to expand our ministry to serve the families of the incarcerated and for our parishes to increase their support of ex- prisoners re-entering society.

As we close this Jubilee Year of Hope with this extraordinary gesture, we remember that in serving those who are imprisoned we serve Christ himself and do God’s work of redemption. This Jubilee of Prisoners reminds us that no one is confined by their mistakes, but that Jesus always offers us a way out - His mercy.
For more information about this opportunity,  CLICK HERE.