St. Matthew Catholic Church

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Our priests give of themselves daily to bring us the Sacraments, offer spiritual guidance, and shepherd our parishes across North Louisiana. From early morning Masses to late-night emergency calls, their life is one of constant, faithful service to Christ and His Church. We are profoundly grateful for their dedication, their sacrifices, and their pastoral hearts.

Please join us this week in praying for our priests. We ask God to grant them renewed strength, deep peace, and the fortitude to continue their vital mission.

St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Monroe in 1975.

Today we celebrate 40 years as the Diocese of Shreveport! Since 1986, God has poured out his graces upon North Louisiana. We are honored to have Bishop Duca back with us today to celebrate this anniversary with Bishop Malone. Thank you for being part of our story!

In honor of our 40th Anniversary, take a moment to reflect on your own journey of faith within our diocese. What is a memory or a parish event that has stayed with you? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments today.

# CatholicFaith

Today we honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her heart is perfectly united to the Heart of her Son. As St. Augustine says, Mary "cooperated through charity in the work of our redemption." Our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus focuses on divine love for mankind, while the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary shows us human love and devotion directed back at Jesus. By following her example of humble obedience, we find our way closer to Him. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

art: Heart of Mary by Franz von Kurz zum Thurn und Goldenstein, 1857 or 1858. Public Domain.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

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Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, “the Little Flower,” profoundly understood the gentle and humble heart of Jesus. In contemplating how to be transformed by Christ's love, she reflected that “What pleases [Jesus] is that he sees me loving my littleness and my poverty, the blind hope that I have in his mercy… the weaker one is, without desires or virtues, the more suited one is for the workings of this consuming and transforming Love” (Letter 197 to Sister Marie of the Sacred Heart, September 17, 1896). Let us join with Saint Thérèse in praying for our hearts to be humble like Jesus.

Saint Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church, pray for us!

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
John 6:51

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

The Feast of Corpus Christi, or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, is a central moment in our liturgical year when we publicly honor the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. While every Mass celebrates this mystery, this feast allows us to pause and focus specifically on the gift of the Blessed Sacrament as "the source and summit of the Christian Life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324).

The Eucharist is not a symbol, it’s the actual presence of Christ among us. In the Eucharist, Jesus fulfills his promise to remain with his Church until the end of time. When we receive Communion or spend time in Adoration, we’re drawing closer to the heart of our faith and receiving the grace we need to live out our Christian vocation in the world.

This feast also reminds us of our unity as the Body of Christ. As we share in His Body, we’re called to be witnesses of Christ's love right here in North Louisiana. Whether through processions or quiet prayer, let’s take this opportunity to renew our devotion to the Eucharist and thank God for this enduring gift of himself.

Today’s readings: https://bit.ly/42WADFq

art: The Last Supper by Juan de Juanes, 1562, public domain

St. Hyacinth's Academy on Jackson St. in Monroe in 1913.