The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge has announced that Catholics impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions will not be required to attend Mass. This decision, conveyed during Sunday services across the diocese, coincides with federal immigration sweeps initiated in south Louisiana that have raised concerns among local communities.
Federal authorities have deployed approximately 250 Border Patrol agents in an operation aimed at detaining around 5,000 individuals in the New Orleans region, extending into Baton Rouge and parts of Mississippi. In light of this situation, Bishop Michael Duca issued a dispensation, allowing those who fear immigration enforcement to forgo their obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
In his statement, Bishop Duca acknowledged the genuine fears many faithful experience, stating, “Since many of the faithful genuinely fear immigration enforcement actions, thereby making it untenable for them to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, I hereby grant a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass for those Catholics rightfully afraid to participate in Mass because of their fear.”
This dispensation serves as an exemption from canon law granted by church authority during difficult times. Bishop Duca encouraged those accepting the dispensation to maintain their spiritual practices at home. He suggested gathering with family for prayer, engaging in daily Mass readings, praying the rosary, or reciting novenas for intercessory protection as meaningful alternatives to attending Mass.
The bishop’s letter highlighted the broader impact of the immigration enforcement actions, noting, “These expulsions are affecting not only our Catholic Hispanic brothers and sisters but also refugees and immigrants of all denominations from other nations who form the rich tapestry of our local communities. These are our neighbors, coworkers, and parishioners.”
Since the operation began on December 6, 2023, dozens have reportedly been detained in New Orleans. However, it remains unclear if any arrests have occurred in Baton Rouge. This announcement came shortly after the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a message condemning deportations and denouncing what it describes as inhumane treatment of immigrants. Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans also released a statement supporting the diocese’s decision.
Both the USCCB and the Baton Rouge Diocese have emphasized that national security and the protection of human dignity are not mutually exclusive, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. Bishop Duca urged the community to pray for those affected, especially during the current Advent season, a period traditionally associated with anticipation and family gatherings.
He concluded his message with a poignant reminder from Pope Leo XIV, stating, “God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.”
