The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge has announced that Catholics affected by recent immigration enforcement activities will not be required to attend Mass. This decision, communicated during Mass on December 3, 2023, follows the initiation of federal immigration sweeps across southern Louisiana. Authorities have deployed approximately 250 Border Patrol agents with plans to detain around 5,000 individuals in the New Orleans area, extending their operations into Baton Rouge and Mississippi.
Bishop Michael Duca stated that the ongoing enforcement actions have created a climate of fear among many parishioners, making it difficult for them to participate in Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. “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,” he wrote. This dispensation serves as an exemption from canon law, allowing individuals to prioritize their safety during times of hardship.
In his statement, Bishop Duca emphasized the importance of maintaining spiritual practices at home. He encouraged those accepting the dispensation to gather with family for prayer during holy days. Suggested activities include daily Mass readings, praying the rosary, or reciting a novena for intercessory protection as meaningful alternatives to attending Mass.
Community Impact and Broader Context
The bishop’s letter highlights the broad implications of the immigration sweeps, noting that they affect not only Catholic Hispanics but also refugees and immigrants from various denominations. “These are our neighbors, coworkers, and parishioners,” he added, underscoring the interconnectedness of the community. Reports indicate that dozens of individuals have already been detained as part of the New Orleans operation that began on November 29, 2023. However, it remains unclear whether any arrests have occurred in Baton Rouge specifically.
This announcement comes shortly after the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement condemning deportations and what it describes as inhumane treatment of immigrants. Gregory Aymond, the archbishop of New Orleans, also released a statement echoing these concerns. Both the USCCB and the Diocese of Baton Rouge advocate for a balanced approach that recognizes the need for national security while upholding human dignity.
Pope Leo XIV has also expressed criticism regarding the immigration crackdown, reminding followers of the Church’s moral responsibility toward those facing discrimination and oppression.
Bishop Duca concluded his message with a call to prayer during the Advent season, a time traditionally associated with anticipation and joy leading up to Christmas. “As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, ‘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,'” he stated, urging the community to support those affected by the current immigration situation.
This dispensation reflects the Diocese’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of its parishioners while fostering a spirit of solidarity and compassion in challenging times.
