Bishop Duca invites all to celebrate our 60th year

To the Clergy and the Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge:

In his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, Pope Francis proclaimed a Year of St. Joseph beginning on 08 December 2020.  Because of the difficulties that we have all experienced resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and since the Diocese of Baton Rouge is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2021, our diocesan celebration of “60 Years in the Year of St. Joseph” will begin on 01 May 2021, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, and it will conclude on the Feast of St. Joseph, 19 March 2022.

A steering committee from our Catholic Life Center has been diligently planning a variety of specific, diocesan celebrations to highlight our rich history over sixty years and to celebrate the patron of our local Church. For example, prayer cards will be available in your local church parish so that we can, as a community of faith, pray through the intercession of St. Joseph for our local church.  Catechetical opportunities, social media blurbs, historical tidbits, social gatherings (COVID permitting) and liturgical celebrations will all help us commemorate our diocesan history and the patron of our local church!

Pope Francis’ hope is that during this Year of St. Joseph, each believer has the opportunity to discover again the Patron of the Catholic Church, “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence, an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. St. Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.” The Pope’s clear aim with the Apostolic Letter is to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession, and imitate his virtues and his zeal.

The Holy Father reflects on seven qualities found in St. Joseph that must be at the very heart of the Church – a community of persons believing that they are beloved children of God; a Church tender and loving towards all who enter its doors; an obedient Church who responds to God’s word daily; a welcoming Church for all; a Church of co-collaborators, working together to accomplish the work of the Father; and a Church which supports its children as an encouraging parent.  

As we remember the blessings given our local Church over sixty years, we look forward with eager hearts, ready to serve the community of Baton Rouge by emulating the virtues and zeal of our beloved patron!  All these are reasons for us to celebrate God’s providence evident in St. Joseph’s patronage!   

Hope in the Lord,

Most Reverend Michael G. Duca
Bishop of Baton Rouge

Given at the Chancery, 19 April 2021