Michael Brooks
Louisiana has a strong Catholic heritage, with the state's first governor, Clairborne, being a Protestant, but nearly all his descendants were Catholics. The state is divided into two Catholic dioceses: the Archdiocese of New Orleans in the southern half, and the Diocese of Natchitoches in the northern half. There are 500+ parishes across these 7 Roman Catholic dioceses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic Dioceses in Louisiana | 7 |
| Number of Parishes | 505+ |
| Population of Catholics | 477,774 (as of 1906) |
| Example of a Diocese | Diocese of Natchitoches |
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What You'll Learn
The Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana
The history of the Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana dates back to the early 18th century when Reverend Antonio Margil, the first Catholic priest in the region, made contact with the Adayes Native Americans in 1717. Margil founded the mission of San Miguel de Linares and later persuaded the Adayes people to return to the mission in 1721, dedicating a church to Our Lady of the Pillar. In 1793, the Vatican established the Diocese of Louisiana and the Floridas, which became part of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
In the 19th century, Catholic priests such as Reverend Martin of Avoyelles and Reverend John Timon made regular visits to Catholics living in northern Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, respectively. During this time, Reverend O'Brien, a Dominican priest, also provided religious services to Catholics in the region. In 1817, the St. Xavier Chapel, the first Catholic facility in Alexandria, was constructed.
The Diocese of Alexandria is actively involved in various initiatives and projects. They offer Lector Formation workshops for individuals interested in serving as Lectors in their parishes. The diocese is also engaged in a pastoral planning project entitled "Together as One Church: Embracing a Future of Hope," which aims to evaluate the current and future needs of the diocese. Additionally, they conduct workshops for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and have individuals in formation to become Permanent Deacons.
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The history of the Diocese of Natchitoches
Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the oldest permanent European settlement within the borders of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. It was founded as a French outpost on the Red River for trade with Spanish-controlled Mexico, and French traders settled there as early as 1699. The post was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians, after whom the city was named. Early settlers included French Catholic immigrants and creoles.
The Diocese of Natchitoches was a Latin Church residential episcopal see of the Catholic Church from 1853 to 1910 and is now a titular see. It was originally the Catholic Diocese for the central portions of Louisiana, comprising all the northern parts of the state above 31° N lat., with an area of 22,212 square miles. It was established on July 29, 1853, and headquartered in Natchitoches.
In 1852, Bishop Martin was vicar-general of Mgr Blanc of New Orleans. He left a collection of unpublished letters that tell the history of his diocese, his struggles with poverty, and his many trips to France to recruit clergy. He left an organized diocese with 20 priests, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart with one convent at Natchitoches, and the Daughters of the Cross with their mother house and several convents in the diocese.
In 1853, the Venerable Antonio Margil was the first priest to minister within the territory forming the diocese. In March 1717, he located the Adayes Indians near Spanish Lake and founded the mission of San Miguel de Linares, building probably the first church in Louisiana. In 1721, Father Margil returned to rebuild the church after it had been plundered by the French Commandant at Natchitoches, Denis, during the brief war with Spain in 1718. For many years afterward, the Adayes mission was attended from San Antonio by the Franciscans. In 1725, there were 50 Catholic families at Natchitoches, and in 1728, Father Maximin, a Capuchin, was in charge.
In 1910, Pope Pius X transferred the see from Natchitoches to Alexandria, a railroad centre with a large Catholic population. The new diocese in Alexandria numbered 26 diocesan priests, 10 regulars (Jesuits and Marists), the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, the Daughters of the Cross with a mother house at Shreveport, the Sisters of Divine Providence, and the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, with a Catholic population of about 32,431.
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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette
There are seven Roman Catholic dioceses in the state of Louisiana, each covering a different region. One of these is the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, which was established on November 29, 1976, when it was split off from the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Louisiana (now known as the Diocese of Baton Rouge). The Diocese of Lafayette encompasses an area of 11,159 square miles across 12 civil parishes in South Central Louisiana, including the cities of Lafayette, Houma, New Iberia, and Opelousas. It has a diverse population, with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, and a rich cultural heritage that includes strong French and Acadian influences.
The Diocese of Lafayette is led by the Bishop, who is currently the Most Reverend John Douglas Deshotel. He is responsible for overseeing the spiritual and administrative needs of the diocese and its parishes. The diocese is organized into four deaneries, each comprising several local churches and missions. These deaneries provide a structure for regional collaboration and coordination among the parishes. As of 2022, the diocese consists of 62 active parishes, 14 Catholic schools, and numerous other ministries and organizations.
Catholic education and faith formation are important aspects of the Diocese of Lafayette's mission. The diocese operates a network of elementary and secondary schools, as well as early childhood centers, that provide a faith-based education to students. They also offer religious education programs and resources to support the faith formation of children and adults in the parishes. The diocese places a strong emphasis on evangelization and outreach, with various ministries dedicated to youth and young adults, family life, cultural diversity, and social justice issues.
In addition to its focus on spiritual matters, the Diocese of Lafayette is actively involved in serving the community through social services and charitable initiatives. It supports and oversees Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lafayette, which offers a range of programs to help those in need, including emergency assistance, counseling services, immigration legal services, and senior citizen programs. The diocese also has a strong commitment to promoting vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life and provides resources and support for those discerning their calling.
The Diocese of Lafayette has a rich liturgical and devotional life, with a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Assumption, who is honored as the principal patroness of the diocese. The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist serves as the mother church of the diocese and is a center for liturgical celebrations and special events. The diocese also has a vibrant music ministry, with choirs and musical groups that enhance liturgical celebrations and foster a sense of community.
As the local Church in South Central Louisiana, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette is committed to living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving the spiritual, moral, and social needs of its diverse population. Through its parishes, schools, and ministries, the diocese strives to be a visible sign of God's love and a source of hope and unity in the community.
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The Archdiocese of New Orleans
The Catholic Church has had a presence in New Orleans since before the founding of the city by the French in 1718. Missionaries served the French military outposts and worked among the native peoples. In 1721, Fr. Francis-Xavier de Charlevoix, S.J., visited New Orleans, describing it as "a little village of about one hundred cabins dotted here and there, a large wooden warehouse in which I said Mass, a chapel in course of construction, and two storehouses."
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Louisiana's Catholic population
Louisiana's population is heavily concentrated in southern Louisiana, in the Greater New Orleans, Florida Parishes, and Acadiana regions. The remainder of the population is spread across the major metropolitan areas in North and Central Louisiana. The state's population was recorded as 4,657,757 in the 2020 US census.
Louisiana's population has diversified since the end of the 20th century, with a decline in its non-Hispanic or non-Latino white population. As of 2020, the Black or African American population has constituted the largest non-white share of youths in the state. The Hispanic and Latino American population has also increased, making up almost 7% of the state's population in the 2020 census.
Louisiana has the second-largest proportion of Black and African Americans in the United States, after Mississippi. Historically, Black and African American communities in the state have been divided along cultural lines, with communities upstate predominantly Protestant, and the remainder of communities in southern Louisiana adhering to Catholicism.
The Catholic population in Louisiana is largely concentrated in southern Louisiana and Greater New Orleans, with a significant influence on state politics. The high proportion of Catholics in the state, at 22% of the adult population as of 2020, sets Louisiana apart from other southern states. This is due in part to the French and Spanish heritage of the Creoles, the first settlers, planters, and leaders of the territory, as well as later immigration of Irish, Italian, Portuguese, and German Catholics.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and the Diocese of Lafayette are the largest Catholic jurisdictions in the state.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 7 Roman Catholic dioceses in Louisiana.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans is the southern half of Louisiana. All churches in this area are incorporated.
The Diocese of Natchitoches is the northern half of Louisiana. All parochial property vests in the bishop.
Catholicism and Catholic influences have always been predominant in Louisiana.
There are 505+ parishes in Louisiana's 7 Roman Catholic dioceses.
