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

On May 6 many neighbors and friends joined the Diocese of Baton Rouge in honoring the Blessed Mother at a May crowning held during a daily Mass celebrated at St. Joseph Chapel at the Catholic Life Center. Catholic Life Television broadcasted the event. “Each year the Catholic Life Center invites the staff and neighbors to honor Mary during the month of May with the Rite of Crowning after the homily during the Daily Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Duca,” said Dina Dow, director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “Amy Cordon was inspired through her devotion to the Blessed Mother to have a May crowning and daily Mass seemed like the best time. This first took place in May of 2023, with Amy arranging the flowers and acquiring a statue of Mary while I volunteered to coordinate the liturgy, and asked Darryl Ducote, (director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Baton Rouge), to cantor and other volunteers to help. It just fell beautifully into place. “This year the amount of congregants doubled as people who live in the neighborhood, visitors in for meetings, as well as Catholic Life Center staff joined in the Mass. It was truly an inspiring celebration, as the Holy Spirit was truly present,” said Dow. “Our hope is to bring others to Jesus through Mary, in her wisdom, generous love and great witness as the first disciple.”Top right photo: Joni Hermann, administrative assistant of the Catholic Schools Office, crowns the Blessed Mother. Photos by Nicole Jones | Digital Media Manager, Diocese of Baton Rouge.Above Photo: Shannon Baldridge Sales proclaims the word at the Mass celebrating the May Crowning. Joni Hermann, administrative assistant for the Catholic Schools Office who crowed the Blessed Mother, enjoyed seeing neighbors and the Catholic Life Center staff at the eucharistic table together. “Today was a special day to honor the Blessed Mother Mary,” said Hermann. “What an honor to crown her with the beautiful flowers for the second time. I have a very special devotion to Mary and am blessed to be a part of this special Ceremony.” Among those attending the May crowing were the Karlyn and Paul Larue and their children Helen, Sarah and Joseph. "It's always a blessing for our family to see Joseph serve daily Mass with our kind Bishop Duca, especially this Mass honoring our beloved Mother Mary with beautiful hymns, lovely flowers, and reverent atmosphere ... what a peaceful oasis,” said Karlyn and Paul. Pictured with Bishop Michael G. Duca are the members of the Karyn and Paul Larue family, from left, Helen, Sarah, Joseph, Karlyn and Paul. Amy Cordon, the director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection and Victim Assistance for the diocese, expressed her appreciation for all who were involved in preparing for or involved in the rite including: staff from the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Office of Youth and Child Protection, The Catholic Schools Office, Catholic Life TV, the Chancery, and maintenance department. “It’s a wonderful celebration each year where we can come together with Bishop Duca and each other as a work family to honor the Virgin Mary, We are so blessed to be able to crown her as our queen. Refuge of Sinners, Pray for us.”TO VIEW THE MASS AND MAY CROWNING, CLICK HERE