News - March 2026 RSS Feed

A New Orleans Good Friday tradition for many Catholics is to make a special devotion by solemnly walking to nine area churches to pray and reflect on the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On March 23, Most Reverend James F. Checchio Archbishop of New Orleans along with Archbishop-emeritus Gregory Aymond and Mrs. Gayle Benson met with Pope Leo XIV in his private library in the Apostolic Palace. The 35-minute meeting was marked by warm dialogue and meaningful exchanges. Joining the delegation meeting with Pope Leo was Saints and Pelicans Senior Vice President of Government Relations Greg Bensel and Mrs.Benson’s brother, Wayne LaJaunie. Photo Credit: Vatican Media

5th Sunday of Lent John 11:1–45 March 22, 2026

For the past six years, St. Philip Neri in Kenner has hosted a St. Joseph’s Altar on March 19 for the school, parish and community. In addition to being a traditional St. Joseph’s altar, it is also used as a teaching altar for the school students and the entire community is involved from the 6-week-olds to seventh graders, to the baking days that end up having four generations of family member gathered together teaching this beautiful tradition while helping those in need.

Archbishop Checchio recounts just a few of the ways he is learning about his new home and how he sees the spirit moving in our local church.

The Clarion Herald Staff shares three St. Joseph Altar classic recipes just in time for your family's celebration on St. Joseph's Day, March 19. Click through for the recipes of Pasta Milanese, Baked, Stuffed Fish and Pignolati

NOLA Catholic Parenting blogger/columnist Jerussa Levy appreciates having a community of strong Catholic prayer warriors in her life.

Marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis from Jan.10, 2026 to Jan.10, 2027. As part of this special Jubilee Year, the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary issued a decree granting a plenary indulgence (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, interior disposition of complete detachment from sin and a pilgrimage to churches dedicated to Saint Francis) to mark the anniversary year of the popular saint’s death.

“I placed my faith in St. Joseph that the deal with LSU Press would come through and on March 19 I received an email congratulating me that my project was approved. Thank you, St. Joseph.” - Sandra Scalise Juneau, author of “Celebrating with St. Joseph Altars: The History, Recipes and Symbols of a New Orleans Tradition"

Lent is a little like that desert for us. It’s a special time when God invites us to slow down and make time for him. Life can feel very busy. We have school, sports, activities, screens, worries, but Lent gently presses pause and helps us remember and focus on what matters most.

Beginning this weekend through next weekend over 50 area Catholic churches will be welcoming the community for their annual St. Joseph Altars. The majority will be open on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19 when Archbishop James Checchio, 15th Archbishop of New Orleans will experience his first St. Joseph’s Day in New Orleans.

Archbishop Checchio is appealing to the faithful of New Orleans to pray for vocations to the priesthood and to assist the archdiocese with what is the largest line item in the budget: Seminarian Education for 23 seminarians in formation for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

The Order of St. Louis IX award is among the highest honors in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and always something to be celebrated, but this year presented a unique experience for two local families as a father and daughter, along with her husband and two brothers were honored together during a ceremony on March 8.

On March 8, Archbishop James Checchio conferred the Order of St. Louis IX Medal on nearly 200 local Catholics in recognition of their leadership and dedication of service to the Church, in their parishes and throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

On Feb. 5, Archbishop Gregory Aymond celebrated a special Mass to honor the 2026 Altar Servers of the Year. This annual celebration, sponsored by the local chapters of the Serra Club, is a way for each parish in the Archdiocese of New Orleans to honor the young men and women who give generously of themselves to serve at the Eucharistic table of the Lord at Mass in their home parishes. The Mass was celebrated at St. Rita Church, New Orleans with Archbishop Aymond and over a dozen local priests concelebrating.