SPECIAL NOTE: His Excellency, Bishop Glen John Provost, is in the practice of issuing a guidance for Catholics before elections. The Catholic Church has always spoken out on matters of ethical and moral judgment, in imitation of our Lord and the admonitions of the Sacred Scriptures.

October 1, 2026

Dear Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Lake Charles,

Greetings in the Lord, who is our hope!

An important midterm election is fast approaching. As I have done in the past, I wish to offer a brief word of guidance, particularly concerning the importance of conscience for the Catholic voter.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

Justin Fontenot, a seminarian for the Diocese of Lake Charles, was blessed with the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV with other students in Rome in late August.

Pope Leo received seminarians during a private audience in Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace before leading the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. The visit on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with the newest class members of the Pontifical North American College was a special way for them to say hello as the Holy Father’s newest neighbors.

October 2026 Prayer Intentions of Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Glen John Provost:

LAKE CHARLES — The People of Hope Museum is coming to the Diocese of Lake Charles.

This free, immersive experience will be hosted by Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday, October 19-20, 2026, at the Lake Charles Event Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. The traveling exhibition is sponsored by Catholic Charities USA.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — Father Michael Champagne, Religious Superior for the Community of Jesus Crucified, still recalls two words spoken to him by Pope John Paul II in Rome four decades ago that he said saved his life from darkness and remain with him to this day.