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Knights of Columbus Council #10178 of St. Margaret Church in Albany hosted a Silver Rose Service on Oct. 27 to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and reaffirm their dedication to the sanctity of life. The evening began with a rosary followed by the service, which included the telling of Our Lady’s appearances to St. Juan Diego in 1531 and the miracles that followed. Father Jamin David, left, pastor of St. Margaret and state chaplain of the KCs, and St. Margaret Parochial Vicar, Father Paul Gros, presented thestory of Our Lady of Guadalupe. KC Council #10178 Grand Knight Chuck Raborn Sr. presented the silver rose in a procession. Photos provided by Glenn Young

The music had been silenced for hours, candles were down to their final flickers, the sweet aroma of incense beginning to wane. 

Darryl Ducote briefly paused, taking a moment perhaps to stifle a tear as he talked about the years he spent with his mentor, his friend, Bishop Stanley J. Ott.

A popular Thanksgiving tradition that has provided holiday meals with the trimmings for the neediest of families in the Baton Rouge area for the past 40 years is expanding for the second consecutive year.

When battling the frustrations, pain and gradual “losses” brought by dementia, faith fills the most urgent need for peace and hope, according to Matthew Estrade, gerontologist. 

The liturgical year transitions during the next two weekends, as Year C ends and Year A begins

A celebration underscoring the legacy of Black Catholics, specifically six African Americans on the path to sainthood, was held Nov. 3 at the Catholic Life Center. The Office of Black Catholics of the Diocese of Baton Rouge sponsored the event to commemorate National Black Catholic History Month.

Bishop Ott fondly remembered

Pandemic restrictions lifted

In his second year as Grand Knight of St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus Council 5530 Frank Lacour, right, led his council to attain two more awards wrapped into one presentation. For its outstanding programs throughout the year 2021-22 the STM council was presented with the Columbian Award from the Supreme Council in New Haven Connecticut. The second award was for excellence in the promotion of insurance and fraternal benefits for the council. Making the presentation to now past Grand Knight Lacour is District Deputy James Still. Photo provided by John Hauler

The lineage of Black Catholics goes back 2,000 years, specifically when St. Matthew left his career as a tax collector and devoted his life to the Lord as one of the Twelve Apostles. 

In a stirring celebration exuding the rich heritage of the Eastern Rite of the Catholic Church, the faithful gathered for a Mass on Oct. 16 at St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge to honor St. Sharbel, “priest, monk, hermit and ‘in love with God.’ ” 

St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part, along with other churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, participated in the annual national America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally on Oct. 15. A good group of participants gathered to pray the devotion, with the Junior Catholic Daughters of the America helping lead the rosary. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Catholic schools throughout Louisiana will have an opportunity to shine the light on the best of their students during the inaugural Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year Program. 

When hit with a devastating loss or daunting circumstance, words may fail to touch on the suffering or express the pain. 

The end of the Liturgical Year draws near with three weeks remaining in Cycle C. The message of perseverance, endurance and hope is clear during the 32nd and 33rd Sunday Mass readings which focus on persecution as a reality for those who choose to follow God.

Many Catholics struggle with the question, “How do you know the Communion host and the chalice of wine turn into the true body and blood of Jesus when the Mass celebrant raises the host and chalice and pronounces the words of institution: “This is my body, this is the chalice of my blood …? ” 

MBS breaks ground on new buildings

On Nov. 1 in commemoration of All Saints Day, churches throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge held a blessings of graves for families to honor decease loved ones. Bishop Michael G. Duca, left, and Father Cary Bani, pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, led a prayer ceremony before blessing the graves in St. Joseph Cemetery. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator