Almighty God, Father of all nations, for freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Gal 5:1). We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty, the foundation of human rights, justice and the common good.  Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties. By your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land. We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. St. Thomas More, pray for us St. John Fisher, pray for us St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us Bl. Miguel Pro, pray for us … [Read more...]

The Latin word “orans” is translated as “one who is praying.” The “orans posture” is praying while lifting up one’s hands. This posture of prayer has a Scriptural basis in First Timothy: “I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.” (1Tim. 2:8). The orans posture was common in early Christianity and can be seen in early Christian art. Several of the early Church Fathers saw it as “the outline of the cross.” The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (the “rubrics,” or rules for the celebration of the Mass) references the orans posture with the phrase “with hands extended.” It is instructed to be done twenty-eight times and is used as a direction only for the priest; the laity are never directed to pray “with hands … [Read more...]

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are gifts which assist us in furthering our sanctification and help “complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them.” The term “gift” means that the Holy Spirit bestows them; they are supernatural gifts operating in a supernatural manner. They are not gifts one simply invokes in times of emergency. The gifts are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3. The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom – The gift of wisdom allows us to see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the joys and sorrows of our lives take on deeper meaning. Understanding – The gift of understanding allows us to comprehend how we should to live as a follower … [Read more...]

The Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) is seeking nominations for the 25th annual Saint John Paul II Award. Names of nominees and related information must be submitted by Sunday, June 1, 2025. A nomination form, which includes submission details, can be downloaded from the foundation’s website at www.ccfnola.org. The award will be presented to an outstanding Catholic layperson(s) or permanent deacon who resides in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and who exhibits inspirational examples of generosity and Christian stewardship. Award criteria include: Practicing Roman Catholic layperson or permanent deacon, High moral character, Volunteer service and board membership, Exemplary personal values. Contact Pamela Richard at prichard@ccfnola.org with questions. … [Read more...]

On Saturday, May 31 at 10:00 am, Archbishop Aymond will ordain Deacon Joseph Grayson Martello to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the Cathederal-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France. All are welcome to attend the ordination Mass. For those that cannot attend, the Mass will be streamed live at thedailymass.com. … [Read more...]

This weekend the second collection is for the Servants of the Poor Congregation of India. They will make an appeal to help with “rendering services both Material and Spiritual to the poor.” Your generosity to this appeal will be used by the sisters to support mainly children who are affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, elderly, sick and destitute people who are living in our free Nursing homes, health care services, education, orphanages, boarding homes, adoption centers, rehabilitation homes, social service centers, and centers for evangelization. Thank you for helping these missionaries bring Christ to the poor. Sister Sheeja Thomas from the congregation, serving in San Antonio Archdiocese will be here to make this appeal. Please be generous to this most worthy cause. … [Read more...]

May 10-11, 2025 Each year on Good Shepherd Sunday the Archdiocese of New Orleans designates a special second collection to help support the medical and retirement expenses of our diocesan priests. Please be generous in supporting those priests who have given their lives to serve us and the Church! … [Read more...]

In 1914 the U.S. Congress passed a Joint Resolution, and President Woodrow Wilson signed it, establishing “Mother’s Day” to emphasize a women’s role in the family. One thing important to note is that the apostrophe in “Mother’s Day” is in between the “r” and the “s,” indicating the original meaning of the day, which is to honor one’s own Mother, rather than Mothers in general. We are bound by our love and through God’s command to honor our own mother, but we have to always remember that we have another mother in Heaven.  When Jesus became a human being, He also became our brother.  And as He hung on the cross He gave us his Most Holy Mother to be our mother:  “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son.”  Then he said … [Read more...]

THANK YOU! Because of your financial contributions the St. Vincent du Paul Society was able to distribute Easter Food Baskets to 30 families during Holy Week, each including a $50.00 gift certificate from Rouse’s for the main course. We are so grateful for your continued support of our mission to serve those in need! … [Read more...]

The tradition of covering (or “veiling”) the crucifix and statues this Sunday dates from the Church calendar prior to the Second Vatican Council when the Fifth Sunday of Lent was called “Passion Sunday” and the period from this Sunday until Holy Saturday was called “Passiontide.”  Elements of Passiontide remain in the liturgy in that the Preface of the Passion of Our Lord is read at all weekday Masses from now until Holy Thursday. In the Roman Missal we find this instruction: “In the Dioceses of the United States, the practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from [the fifth] Sunday [of Lent] may be observed. Crosses remain covered until the end of the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, but images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter … [Read more...]