News - August 2022 RSS Feed

Bishop Michael G. Duca celebrated Mass for the Catholic school principals Aug. 18 at St. Joseph Chapel on the campus of the Catholic Life Center. Following Mass, the principals were presented with a small gift that included a rosary and prayer card blessed by the bishop, above. Shown with the bishop during the blessing are Claire Willis, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools, left, and superintendent Dr. Pattie Davis. ​​​​​​​Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

At the end of the day, all of us, believers and non-believers, pious and impious, share one common humanity and all end up on the same road. This has many implications.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge has a historical cathedral in St. Joseph Cathedral. Its construction dates to pre-Civil War years.

Bishop Michael G. Duca celebrated the annual Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Madonna Chapel in Bayou Goula on Aug.  15, the Assumption of Mary feast day.  The chapel, known to many as “the smallest church in the world,” was built in 1903 by Tony Gullo in thanksgiving to Mary for his child’s recovery from a serious illness.  Constructed of Louisiana cypress, the church measures 9’ x 9’ and only accommodates a few people at a time. Shortly after completion in 1903, a Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated on the feast of the Assumption and became an annual tradition. Every year worshippers assemble on the front lawn of the chapel for the special Mass. ​​​​​​​ The large Madonna statue in the chapel was ordered from Italy by Gullo and predates the chapel. Each year, the statue is adorned with jewelry that through the years has been offered in thanksgiving. Donations and fundraisers have provided the necessary funds for upkeep of the chapel.

The permanent diaconate Class of 2002 recently gathered at a Baton Rouge restaurant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their ordination. Pictured left to right: Deacon Mike Agnello, Deacon Randy Clement, Deacon Ronnie LeGrange, Deacon Tommy Traylor, Deacon Sammy Collura and Deacon Bill Blair. Not pictured were Deacon Zeke Nola and Deacon Frank Bains. Not in attendance were Deacon Willie Berthelot and Deacon Alfred Ricard. Four class members are deceased: Deacon Peter Burns, Deacon Tom Malinowski, Deacon Eugene Brady and Deacon J.R. Salinas. The wives of the deacons were also in attendance. Photo provided by Deacon Agnello 

Sacred Heart of Jesus School principal Cecilia Methvin reads a book to Pre-K3 students as the school welcomed its newest and youngest students, three-year-old Tiny Tigers on Aug.  9. The Pre-K3 program is designed to provide three-year-olds quality, early education when brain development is at its peak. Sacred Heart students experience play-based academic prep throughout each day with the goal of fostering a love of learning, social-emotional skills and prayer.  Photo provided by Wendy Milam | Sacred Heart of Jesus School

The Wilfred B. Ricard Council and Court 116 of Immaculate Conception Church in Baton Rouge of the Knights of Peter Claver donated more than $700.00 to purchase school supplies and anti-bacterial products for three East Baton Rouge Public Schools in the Scotlandville area July 27. 

By his own admission, Deacon Pat Witty had arrived at a crossroad in his faith.

While the flood of 2016 wreaked havoc in the lives of Deacon Randall Waguespack and his family, he said it was sincerely one of the best things to happen for the family and for his faith life. In its wake it left him a life-giving call to the permanent diaconate.

The question “Why me?” often surfaces when people undergo intense personal suffering or witness the suffering of others. 

Deacon Ed Hanks stood at the counter of a Covington sandwich shop perusing the menu, perhaps choosing from his go-to selection and maybe even considering going big with the footlong. 

According to the publication The Word Among Us, July 6 was designated the optional memorial to Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr.  I thought that was her feast day.  Please explain the difference.

Twenty-four high school students explored the world of nursing during a recent Future Nurses Camp at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge. 

Trooper Lt. Robert Fontenot of the Louisiana State Police knows firsthand that one way of addressing crime is putting handcuffs on the offenders and putting them behind bars. 

The liturgical year is deep within Ordinary Time as the 22nd and 23rd Sundays approach. Wisdom literature found in the Old Testament and heard during the Liturgy of the Word  “bookends” invite us to embrace humility and wisdom. The former is a foundational virtue while the other is the fruit of such. 

As the world is besieged by violence, storms, drought, disease and other chaos, the temptation is to think we are “on our own.” 

Silence gripped the hallowed walls of St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, if ever so briefly, as Father Joshua Johnson bowed his head, perhaps saying one final prayer before delivering a homily that sparked emotion, tears and even a few chuckles.

Bishop Duca ordains four new deacons

Bishop Michael G. Duca is pictured with Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts award recipients at the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Committee on Scouting Religious Award Ceremony Aug. 21 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. Awards were also presented to scout counselors and adult supporters. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

The Diocesan Gospel Choir sings during the African Mass on Aug. 20 at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca and drew a near capacity crowd, was hosted by the Office of Black Catholics. Father Joshua Johnson, pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Baton Rouge and the lone African American priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, delivered a powerful homily. The theme of the Mass was “Celebrating Our Catholic Faith and Culture.” Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator