One hundred and thirty years ago, the first seven leprosy patients transported by river barge from New Orleans arrived at Indian Camp Plantation in Carville, La. Outraged by an exposé article in the Times Picayune about local leprosy treatment houses, the people of New Orleans demanded that the “pest houses” be moved outside the city limits. In 1894 the state legislature enacted Act 85, which decreed that anyone with leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, should be quarantined to a certain location.
Facing the storms that come with battling cancer is tough for any patient and their loved ones, and that is especially so when a child is stricken. As Sarah Johnson struggles with cancer, Mater Dolorosa School and Church in Independence and the surrounding community have rallied around her as she fights the disease with courage and hope.
The Diocese of Baton Rouge honored seven religious men and women who have a combined total of 440 years of service to the church at a Jubilee and Consecrated Life Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge on Feb. 15.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the stained glassed windows of St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge on Sunday, Feb. 18, adding to the buoyant atmosphere as the unbaptized elect and baptized candidates and their sponsors, families, and friends gathered for the Rite of Election.
A spark of faith ignited in men as they listened to dynamic speakers, received the Eucharist at Mass, spent time with Jesus in a Eucharistic procession, and prayed over each other at the Men of the Immaculata Conference on Feb. 17 at St. George Church in Baton Rouge. As they left with renewed energy – laughing, shaking hands, and clasping each other on the shoulder – it was apparent they were ready to spread the flame of faith to their families, churches, and communities.