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

In consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointment effective 15 February 2025.

Stay up-to-date with the Diocese of Baton Rouge's parish and school closures as we prepare for the forecasted winter weather.

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.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our University has been designated a Heart Safe Campus, the first entity in Baton Rouge and the first University in Louisiana with the distinction.

The theological virtue of hope develops from understanding that Jesus lifts the burden when we struggle with difficulties. We are then sent forth to spread hope to others who suffer, according to Becky Eldredge, an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and author.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, many people may struggle with believing that “good things are to come.” Darryl Ducote, LCSW, director of the department of marriage and family life of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, recently talked about the brain’s ability to change and grow. This causes people to have hope in the face of adversity.