Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G. | Diocese of Baton Rouge

Three prominent individuals have been announced as the keynote speakers for the upcoming 2024 Men of the Immaculata Conference in Baton Rouge. The conference, which aims to empower and inspire men in their faith, will feature Father Larry Richards, Mark Houck, and Deacon Michael Parker as its headline speakers.

Father Larry Richards, a gifted preacher and author from the Diocese of Erie, is known for his direct and impactful style of speaking. Warren Dazzio, conference chairman, praised Father Richards, stating, "He's very direct, and I like that very much about a speaker... He's going to say, ‘Guys, we gotta get in gear and save our families and save our culture and save our world.'"

Mark Houck, a pro-life activist and radio show host, will also be addressing the attendees. Houck gained media attention when he was arrested and indicted in 2022, but was later acquitted of all charges. Dazzio shared an inspiring anecdote about Houck's dedication to his faith, saying, "The night before his trial, Houck spent the whole night before the Eucharist... He thought he might get a handful of people joining him. But he had 40-50 people joining him before the Eucharist for the night."

Deacon Michael Parker, the only local speaker at the conference, is a deacon and business administrator of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in St. Amant. He is also the Baton Rouge director of Vagabond Missions, an organization that reaches out to inner-city teens in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Dazzio expressed his excitement about Parker's involvement, stating, "Deacon Parker is a perfect fit... He’s just a phenomenal speaker. He’s involved with the younger people and is in their midst."

The Men of the Immaculata Conference aims to charge men with renewed faith and encourage them to make a positive impact in their communities, families, and parishes. The event includes Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca, Eucharistic Adoration, the praying of the rosary with relics of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi, and the sacrament of reconciliation available throughout the day. Additionally, Chef John Folse, a renowned speaker and chef, will be addressing the attendees before they enjoy a meal prepared by him.

The conference has been successful in fostering a sense of community and inspiring conversions among its participants. Johnny Dunaway, vice chairman of the event, shared a story of a man who had a life-changing conversion after attending a previous conference. The man credited the conference for transforming his life as a father, husband, and his overall reverence for Mass and Scripture.

The Men of the Immaculata Conference has become a significant gathering for men from across Louisiana and even out of state. Dazzio highlighted the multi-generational aspect of the event, stating, "We’ll get four generations of them, and they’ll say, ‘We’ve been coming to this now for several years.'"

The conference, which will take place on February 17, 2024, at St. George Church in Baton Rouge, aims to continue its mission of empowering men in their faith and igniting a fire of faith within them. For more information and registration, interested individuals can visit catholicmenbr.com.