News and Press

(USCCB News Archives can be accessed at www.usccb.org/news/) 

St. Louis Award presented to
Graham Wyninger and Reese Dufrene

LAKE CHARLES — On Tuesday, May 12, St. Louis Catholic High School awarded degrees to the Class of 2026 during a commencement ceremony in the Burton Coliseum Complex. The Very Reverend Ruben J. Buller, VG, Rector of St. Louis and Pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, presented remarks while the Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, gave the Benediction for 123 graduates.

Mass of Thanksgiving, Reception Planned May 28 at OLQH

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — God used a young man’s musical talent and readiness to serve his country by inviting his willing heart to the priesthood. On May 28, 2026, that young man will celebrate the golden jubilee of his ordination.

Former Sacred Heart of Jesus Parishioner
will be Youngest Catholic Bishop in Nation

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — Reverend Robert P. Boxie III, a 1998 graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School and former parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Lake Charles, is making history as he is soon to become the youngest Catholic bishop in the United States. Bishop-elect Boxie is the 45-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. and Roxanne (Guillory) Boxie Jr. of Lake Charles.

LAKE CHARLES — After many years of serving our community, Crossroads Catholic Books & Gifts Store will close on May 31, 2026, it was announced by Monsignor Daniel A. Torres, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. With much prayer, consultation and evaluation of financial reports for the past two years, the decision has come to close the business.

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

WASHINGTON — Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued a statement on Monday, May 25, 2026, welcoming Pope Leo XIV’ new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.

Archbishop Coakley’s statement follows:

Upcoming events around the Diocese of Lake Charles and beyond:

Applications are being accepted for the Revered Canon A. Gerard Jordan Scholarship established by the Jordan Family and The Tolton Ambassadors of Louisiana. The deadline to submit applications is June 30, 2026.

Rosary, faithful friends lead Pedro and Layni
home to Roman Catholic Church

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

Because God writes straight with crooked lines, a boy from Brazil found his way to a girl in Sulphur and both eventually found their way home to the Roman Catholic Church as husband and wife.