On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Holy Father released Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”), his first Apostolic Exhortation on love for the poor. In this new document, Pope Leo XIV reminds Christians that faith and love for the poor cannot be separated. He invites the Church to make a preferential option for the poor, not as an act of charity alone but as an essential part of our encounter with Christ. May Dilexi Te inspire us to see Christ in those who suffer and to walk with them in solidarity and hope. CLICK HERE to read Dilexi Te in its entirety.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

Michael DesOrmeaux, a seminarian for the Diocese of Lake Charles, was blessed with the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV with other students in Rome on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Pope Leo received seminarians during a private audience in Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace before leading the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square.

WASHINGTON — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — Internationally acclaimed speaker on the Fathers of the Church, Mike Aquilina, traveled from Pittsburgh to the Diocese of Lake Charles to help the faithful appreciate the growth of the Catholic Church we know today.

Aquilina, the author of more than 70 books on Catholic history, doctrine, and devotion, was the keynote speaker at the 14th annual Veritas Conference on Saturday, September 13, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Family Life Center. The event was hosted by the Office of Religious Education.

Bishop Provost recognizes 60 for dedicated service to church parishes and Diocese

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — Diocesan honors were presented to 60 individuals in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, September 7. Representing 13 church parishes, the recipients were chosen for their profound dedication and devotion to the Catholic Church and community.