News - Did You Know?

Servant of God

November 15, 2022

With the smash of a bottle of ceremonial champagne over the stern of Stanten Island’s newest ferry, The Dorothy Day, the vessel was commissioned to carry on the legacy of Servant of God Dorothy Day, revered activist in New York history and the Catholic Church. The vessel will shuttle people across New York Harbor in one of the world’s busiest passenger-only systems.

Patron saint of soldiers

November 4, 2022

Before beginning the headlong hurtle toward the end of the year, the church calls for Catholics to take the month of November to pause and remember.

Vatican II anniversary

October 18, 2022

The month of October, in addition to being dedicated to the rosary, is dedicated to the Second Vatican Council. This month not only marks the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Oct. 11) it also contains two papal feast days and a canonization anniversary of three “major players” in the Second Vatican Council.

Spiritual weapon

October 4, 2022

Through the ages the rosary has been known as a “spiritual weapon” which calls on the Blessed Mother’s intercession for victory in times of trials and conflicts. The Battle of Lepanto, which occurred on Oct. 7, 1571, which is the same day as Our Lady of the Rosary, highlights this belief.

Howling success

September 19, 2022

Ever feel like the wolf is out there prowling about and ready to devour and destroy you?

The Great Pardon

September 6, 2022

By happy circumstance or strategic planning while touring Italy you may find yourself in Assisi from Aug. 1-2. Then you may enter the vast basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Mother of Sorrows

August 22, 2022

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

Patron saints for students

August 9, 2022

One of the smartest things students entering the new academic year can do is call upon patron saints for pointers and support to have a successful school year.

Flame of Faith

July 26, 2022

by Debbie Shelley

“Christ our light” the priest, deacon or cantor chants as the paschal candle is brought into a darkened church after being lit by the blessed bonfire. The awaiting faithful in the church respond, “Thanks be to God.”

Honoring Grammie

July 14, 2022

You may have called them by a traditional title, such as “Grandmother” or “Grandfather” or by your own variation such as “Grammie,” “Mimi,” “Gigi,” or several others.

St. Medard the forecaster

June 28, 2022

Bishop Michael G. Duca’s appeal of “no hurricanes” during the recent Hurricane Mass on June 1 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge was met with a resounding “Amen” from people as we warily tread deeper into the season.

Happy Birthday Catholic Church!

June 2, 2022

Put the candles on the cake and let the Holy Spirit light the fire, it’s time to wish the church a Happy Birthday!

St. Joan of Arc

May 17, 2022

St. Joan of Arc is considered by many a heroine in both France and the community of saints. But this humble servant, called “the handmaid of Orléans” is a true example of following God with a simple, bold obedience. One of her most well-known sayings is, “Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.” Her feast day is May 30.

Rogation Days

May 9, 2022

As you sweat and toil out in the field or spring vegetable garden you glance heavenward and pray for God’s mercy that you will have an abundant crop to send to market or bask in pride while dishing up your homemade vegetables at dinnertime.

Preserving Anne Frank's Diary

April 19, 2022

“The Diary of Anne Frank,” which first appeared in Amsterdam in 1947 and published in English on April 30,1952 under the title “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,” is one of the most widely read books in the world.

Ukraine Devotion to the Blessed Mother

April 4, 2022

As scenes of utter chaos and destruction unfold in the Ukraine, the Ukrainian faithful know they can find shelter and comfort in the veil of Mary, particularly under the title of Our Lady of Theotokos, which means “Bearer” or “Mother of God.”