The Collect | May 2025

Dear Reader,

This May, the Diocese of Baton Rouge witnessed powerful moments of service, transformation, and faithful advocacy. In this edition of The Collect, we celebrate the ordination of two new deacons, explore the spiritual journeys that led them to this call, and honor those working to uphold life and dignity across our community.

From moving retreats in prison ministry to reflections on papal history and public witness at the State Capitol, these stories highlight how the Holy Spirit continues to stir hearts and inspire action.

We’re grateful to share these glimpses of grace with you.

In Christ,
The Communications Secretariat of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

---

Two Men Ordained Deacons for the Diocese of Baton Rouge

A jubilant spirit filled St. Joseph Cathedral as Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Deacon Byron Paul Bordelon III and Deacon David Alan Odland to the permanent diaconate on May 24.
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Deacon Bordelon to Dedicate Vocation to Teaching, Working Behind the Scenes

The seed for Deacon Byron Bordelon III’s vocation to the permanent diaconate was planted more than 40 years ago by his mother.
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Deacon Odland Finds Physical and Spiritual Home in the Diocese of Baton Rouge

Deacon David Odland traveled broadly and moved around for many years until putting down roots with his family in Gonzales.
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Bishop Duca's Statement on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Bishop Duca, along with the clergy and lay faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, congratulate His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as Roman Pontiff!
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Catholics Make the Voice of Faith Heard at Faithful Citizenship Day

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.
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Father Cuevas Reflects on "Electric Excitement" at Two Papal Elections

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.
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Woman's New Life Clinic Honors Partners in Work of 'Saving Generations'

Woman’s New Life Clinic celebrated with its employees, volunteers, and benefactors their mission of saving lives from the ravages of abortion at its “Saved in Hope” gala. The event was held April 10 at Ashley Manor in Baton Rouge.
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Incarcerated Women Find Spiritual Freedom at Kolbe Ministries Retreat

Women incarcerated at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women warily entered the Kolbe Prisons Ministries Retreat March 14 – 16. As the Kolbe core retreat members gave them support, the love of Christ, and the Gospel message, many of them were surprised by a joy that went beyond their confined circumstances.
READ THE ARTICLE

---

Interested in reading more from The Catholic Commentator?

Every week new articles are published to The Catholic Commentator online.
VISIT THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR
What's going on in the Diocese of Baton Rouge?
VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Don't forget to follow The Diocese of Baton Rouge on social media @DioceseBR.
Facebook | Instagram