Diocese celebrates Year of St. Joseph, 60th anniversary of founding

The Diocese of Baton Rouge recently ended its co-celebrations of the Year of St. Joseph and its 60th anniversary. 

Throughout the past year, The Catholic Commentator published reflections of St. Joseph written by a number of various and diverse authors. 

Catholic Life Television aired a monthly series in which host Dina Dow, director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, uncovered the life and virtue of St. Joseph, who continues to be a model of faithfulness and protector of faith. 

Additionally, church parishes throughout the diocese celebrated the Year of St. Joseph in their own unique way, including offering educational opportunities for the lay faithful to learn more about the history of the local church while also learning about the diocese’s patron saint. 

The diocese developed a prayer card. The hope was that those items would encourage families to take part in Year of St. Joseph celebrations in their homes, schools, parishes and beyond. 

On Dec. 8, 2020, Pope Francis announced the Year of St. Joseph in an apostolic letter entitled “Patris Corde,” where the Holy Father expressed a desire for the faithful across the world to rediscover St. Joseph and imitate his life of heroic virtue. 
“St. Joseph has played a prominent role in our diocese since its inception in 1961, and as we began planning for the 60th anniversary celebration this year, it seemed only natural to celebrate not only the rich history of our diocese but its beloved patron,” Bishop Michael G. Duca said in April.

The cornerstone of the 60th anniversary was a birthday party for the diocese held at the Catholic Life Center in Baton Rouge. The joyous event featured a live band, numerous food trucks and Bishop Duca cutting a birthday cake. More than 200 employees of the Catholic Life Center and also those from other diocesan ministries attended the event.